Exam 4 Medication Exemplars

Drug / Class 

Mechanism of Action 

Indications 

Side / Adverse Effects

Nursing Implications

0.9% NaCL

Crystalloids: Isotonic 

Fluid replacement: even fluid exchange between intra & extra cellular components 

Return body to homeostasis 

Short-term maintenance therapy 

Insignificant amount of blood / fluid loss 

Non-severe dehydration / electrolyte imbalance 

“Normal Saline (NSS)” 

NPO patients 

Most commonly given 

Can be given to warm patients up 

0.45% NaCl

Crystalloids: Hypotonic 

Fluid Replacement: water will enter cells (swelling) 

Severe dehydration 

Too much can cause cell lysis 

Not as common

10% Dextrose in Water

Crystalloids: Hypertonic

Pull water from cells 

Increased intracranial pressure 

Too much can cause cell crenation 

Not as common

Can be used with mannitol 

Dextran 

Colloids 

Volume / plasma expanders 

Proteins pulls & holds on to fluids in bloodstream (prevent movement into cells)

Severe blood loss / hemorrhage 

Can give with PRBCs 

Good for people who don’t want blood products 

PRBCs 

Blood Products

Replace lost blood 

Blood Loss 

Transfusion Reaction: swelling, rash / red, fever, disoriented 

(Stay w/ pt and check vitals again w/i 15 minutes) 

Max rate of infusion in 4 hours / unit (not usually a pump, drop rates) 

Type & Cross

Check blood levels & vitals 

2 people verify before giving