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Anticoagulant Therapy

Prevents clot formation or extension.

Heparin

IV/SQ anticoagulant that is short-acting.

Warfarin

Oral, long-acting anticoagulant requiring INR monitoring.

DOACs

Direct Oral Anticoagulants like Apixaban and Rivaroxaban.

INR Normal Range

Approximately 1.0, indicating no anticoagulation.

INR Therapeutic Range

2.0–3.0 for most. 2.5–3.5 for mechanical heart valves.

SSRI Premedication Assessment

Includes mental status, medication history, and physical exam.

SSRIs Mechanism of Action

Inhibit serotonin reuptake.

TCA Mechanism of Action

Inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.

Serotonin Syndrome

Potential adverse effect associated with SSRIs.

Common SSRIs

Fluoxetine and Sertraline.

Common TCAs

Amitriptyline and Imipramine.

Adverse Effects of SSRIs

GI upset, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.

Adverse Effects of TCAs

Anticholinergic effects, sedation, and cardiac toxicity.

MAOI Nursing Assessment

Includes BP check and dietary history regarding tyramine.

MAOI Teaching

Avoid aged cheese, wine, and report headaches.

SNRIs Examples

Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Desvenlafaxine.

SNRIs Action

Inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.

TCAs Common Adverse Effects

Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention.

TCAs Serious Adverse Effects

Cardiac toxicity and fatal overdose risk.

Lithium Therapeutic Range

0.4–1.2 mEq/L.

Common Lithium Adverse Effects

Nausea, tremor, polyuria.

Serious Lithium Toxicity Symptoms

Vomiting, hyperreflexia, nephrotoxicity.

Blood Clot Treatment

Includes anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics.

Common Anticoagulants

Heparin, Warfarin, DOACs.

Opiate Agonists Action

Relieve pain and suppress cough by binding to opioid receptors.

Common Opiate Agonists

Morphine, Hydromorphone, Fentanyl, Oxycodone.

Common Adverse Effects of Opiates

Respiratory depression, sedation, constipation.

Naloxone Use

Reverses opioid overdose and respiratory depression.

Naloxone Nursing Considerations

Monitor respiratory rate and watch for withdrawal symptoms.

Salicylates Action

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antiplatelet effects.

Common Adverse Effects of Salicylates

GI upset, ulcers, Reye’s syndrome.

Nitrates Action

Dilate veins/arteries, decreasing myocardial oxygen demand.

Chronic Stable Angina

Predictable symptoms relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Unstable Angina

Unpredictable and severe symptoms not relieved by rest.

Angina Treatment Teaching

Storage of nitrates, timing for use, and fall precautions.

Hypertensive Medication Classes

Include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta-blockers.

Lifestyle Changes for Hypertension

Decrease sodium intake, lose weight, and increase physical activity.

Atherosclerosis Definition

Plaque buildup in arteries leading to CAD and stroke.

Hyperlipidemia Definition

High cholesterol/triglycerides leading to atherosclerosis.

Statins

Medications used to lower LDL cholesterol.

Bile Acid Resins

Drug class aimed at reducing cholesterol levels.

PCSK9 Inhibitors

Newer class of medication for cholesterol management.

Seizure Disorder Medications

Phenytoin, Valproic Acid, Carbamazepine.

Monitor Drug Levels for Phenytoin

Therapeutic range is 10–20 mcg/mL.

EPS

Extrapyramidal symptoms related to antipsychotic medications.

Correct response to Psychotic Symptoms

Treat with antipsychotics such as serotonin receptor antagonists.