Med Test

1. Metoprolol (Lopressor)

  • Class: Beta-blocker (Beta-1 selective)

  • Mechanism: Blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.

  • Uses: Hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, depression, bronchospasm in high doses.

  • Monitoring: Monitor BP, heart rate (hold if HR <60), ECG in IV use.

  • Nursing Implications: Assess HR and BP before administering; caution in asthma patients.

  • Precaution:

2. Lisinopril (Prinivil)

  • Class: ACE inhibitor

  • Mechanism: Inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.

  • Uses: Hypertension, heart failure, post-MI.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema, hypotension.

  • Monitoring: Monitor BP, potassium levels, renal function.

  • Nursing Implications: Educate about potential for cough; monitor for signs of angioedema.

3. Furosemide (Lasix)

  • Class: Loop diuretic

  • Mechanism: Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, causing diuresis.

  • Uses: Edema, hypertension.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Hypokalemia, dehydration, ototoxicity, hypotension.

  • Monitoring: Monitor electrolytes (esp. K+), BP, kidney function.

  • Nursing Implications: Monitor for dehydration, teach patients to eat potassium-rich foods.

4. Warfarin (Coumadin)

  • Class: Anticoagulant

  • Mechanism: Inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

  • Uses: Prevention of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation, DVT, PE.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Bleeding, bruising.

  • Monitoring: INR (goal typically 2-3), PT.

  • Nursing Implications: Teach about bleeding precautions, consistent vitamin K intake.

5. Regular Insulin

  • Class: Short-acting insulin

  • Mechanism: Lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular glucose uptake.

  • Uses: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia.

  • Monitoring: Blood glucose levels.

  • Nursing Implications: Administer 30 minutes before meals; monitor for signs of hypoglycemia.

6. Metformin (Glucophage)

  • Class: Biguanide

  • Mechanism: Decreases hepatic glucose production, improves insulin sensitivity.

  • Uses: Type 2 diabetes.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: GI upset, lactic acidosis (rare but serious).

  • Monitoring: Renal function (contraindicated in renal impairment).

  • Nursing Implications: Take with food to reduce GI upset; avoid in acute kidney issues.

7. Insulin Lispro

  • Class: Rapid-acting insulin

  • Mechanism: Quickly lowers blood glucose by cellular glucose uptake.

  • Uses: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Hypoglycemia.

  • Monitoring: Blood glucose levels.

  • Nursing Implications: Administer immediately before meals; monitor for hypoglycemia signs.

8. Docusate Sodium (Colace)

  • Class: Stool softener

  • Mechanism: Lowers surface tension, allowing water to penetrate stool.

  • Uses: Constipation.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Abdominal cramping, diarrhea.

  • Monitoring: Bowel movements and stool consistency.

  • Nursing Implications: Encourage hydration; monitor for diarrhea.

9. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

  • Class: Thiazide diuretic

  • Mechanism: Inhibits sodium reabsorption in distal tubules, increasing urine output.

  • Uses: Hypertension, edema.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Hypokalemia, dehydration.

  • Monitoring: BP, electrolytes, kidney function.

  • Nursing Implications: Monitor for dehydration; teach about potassium-rich foods.

10. Morphine

  • Class: Opioid analgesic

  • Mechanism: Binds to opioid receptors, reducing pain perception.

  • Uses: Severe pain.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Respiratory depression, constipation, sedation.

  • Monitoring: Pain levels, respiratory rate, and consciousness.

  • Nursing Implications: Monitor closely for respiratory depression; manage constipation proactively.

11. Digoxin (Lanoxin)

  • Class: Cardiac glycoside

  • Mechanism: Increases myocardial contraction, slows heart rate.

  • Uses: Heart failure, atrial fibrillation.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Digoxin toxicity (nausea, visual disturbances, bradycardia).

  • Monitoring: Digoxin levels, potassium levels, HR.

  • Nursing Implications: Check apical pulse before dosing; hold if HR <60 bpm.

12. Potassium Chloride (KCl)

  • Class: Electrolyte supplement

  • Mechanism: Replenishes potassium levels.

  • Uses: Hypokalemia.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Hyperkalemia, GI upset.

  • Monitoring: Potassium levels, ECG for hyperkalemia.

  • Nursing Implications: Never give IV push; dilute if giving IV, monitor for hyperkalemia.

13. t-PA (Alteplase)

  • Class: Thrombolytic agent

  • Mechanism: Converts plasminogen to plasmin, dissolving clots.

  • Uses: Acute MI, stroke, PE.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Bleeding.

  • Monitoring: Clotting studies, signs of bleeding.

  • Nursing Implications: Handle patient gently to avoid bleeding, contraindicated in recent surgeries.

14. Candesartan (Atacand)

  • Class: ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)

  • Mechanism: Blocks angiotensin II receptors, causing vasodilation.

  • Uses: Hypertension, heart failure.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Hypotension, hyperkalemia.

  • Monitoring: BP, potassium levels, renal function.

  • Nursing Implications: Monitor for hypotension, teach about dietary potassium.

15. Amlodipine (Norvasc)

  • Class: Calcium channel blocker

  • Mechanism: Blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation.

  • Uses: Hypertension, angina.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Peripheral edema, hypotension, dizziness.

  • Monitoring: BP, heart rate.

  • Nursing Implications: Monitor for edema; educate on managing orthostatic hypotension.

16. Albuterol (Proventil)

  • Class: Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA)

  • Mechanism: Stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs, causing bronchodilation.

  • Uses: Asthma, COPD.

  • Side/Adverse Effects: Tremors, tachycardia, nervousness.

  • Monitoring: Respiratory status, heart rate.

  • Nursing Implications: Teach proper inhaler use, monitor for tachycardia.