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Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach 10th Ed., McCuistion/
Drug CalculationsAce Your Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach 10th Ed., McCuistion Classes and Exams with Picmonic: #1 Visual Mnemonic Study Tool for Registered Nurse (RN) Students
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Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach 10th Ed., McCuistion | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid
Metric System
- Weight
- Kilogram (kg)
- Gram (g/gm)
- Milligram (mg)
- Microgram (mcg)
- Volume
- Liter (L)
- Milliliter (mL)
- Length
- Meter (m)
- Converting
- Larger to Smaller: Multiply
- Smaller to Larger: Divide
3 mins
Conversions: Weight
- 1000 mcg = 1 mg
- 1000 mg = 1 g
- 1000 g = 1 kg
- 2.2 lb = 1 kg
1 min
Conversions: Volume
- Volume
- 1 mL = 1 cc
- 5 mL = 1 Tsp
- 15 mL = 1 Tbsp
- 30 mL = 1 oz
- 1000 mL = 1L
- 2 Tbsp = 1 oz
- 8 oz = 1 Cup
2 mins
Conversions: Pounds and Kilograms
- 2.2 lb (pounds)
- 1 kg (kilogram)
- Know Your Own Weight
37 secs
Conversions: Temperature
- 0° C = 32° F
- How to Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit
- °C x 1.8 + 32 = °F
1 min
Intradermal Medication Administration
- SKIN TESTING
- Tuberculin Screening
- Allergy Testing
- INTRADERMAL SITES
- Dermis
- Inner Forearm or Upper Back
- INTRADERMAL Injection
- 1mL Syringe (26 or 27 Gauge Needle)
- 5 to 15 Degrees
- Small Bleb
2 mins
Acetaminophen
- Indications
- Fever
- Pain
- Mechanism of Action
- Reversibly Inhibits COX
- Acts Primarily in CNS
- Side Effect
- Hepatic Necrosis
- N-acetylcysteine Antidote
51 secs
Heparin (Unfractionated)
- Mechanism of Action
- Suppresses Coagulation
- Indications
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Side Effects
- Hemorrhage
- Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- Considerations
- Monitor aPTT
- Preferred (Safe) During Pregnancy
- Antidote
- Protamine Sulfate
2 mins
Morphine
- Mechanism
- Opioid Receptor Agonist
- Indications
- Pain
- Myocardial Infarction
- Side Effects
- Nausea and Vomiting
- CNS Depression
- Biliary Colic
- Constipation
- Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
- Pupillary Constriction
- Hypotension
2 mins
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
- "-pril" Suffix
- Mechanism of Action
- Block Renin Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
- Indications
- Hypertension
- Heart Failure
- Side Effects
- Dry Non-productive Cough
- Hypotension
- Dizziness
- Possible Hyperkalemia
- Angioedema
- Nursing Considerations
- Slowly Change Position
- Do Not Stop Abruptly
2 mins
Loop Diuretics
- Mechanism of Action
- Thick Ascending Limb of Loop of Henle
- Inhibits Na+-K+-2Cl-
- Sulfa Drug
- Drug Names
- Furosemide
- Lasix
- Side Effects
- Ototoxicity from Rapid Injection
- Gout
- Dehydration
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypokalemia
- Orthostatic Hypotension
2 mins
Loop Diuretic Education
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Indications
- Heart Failure
- Pulmonary Edema
- Acute Renal Failure (ARF)
- Edema
- Education
- Notify the provider of weakness, dizziness, or muscle cramping
- Increase Potassium Intake
- Check BP Daily
- Daily Weights and Monitor IandOs
1 min
Ratio and Proportion
- Ratio
- Two Numbers Separated by a Colon
- Colon Indicates Division
- Proportion
- Equation with Two Equal Ratios
- Double Colons Indicates Equal Sign
- Extremes
- Means
- Calculating the Dose
- Set up the Proportion
- Cross-Multiply Means and Extremes
- Divide Both Sides by the Number Before Unknown Variable
3 mins
Standard Formula
- Memorize the Formula
- Dose Ordered
- Dose on Hand
- Amount on Hand (Quantity)
- Before Calculating the Dose
- Ensure Same Units and System of Measurement
- Calculating the Dose
- Dose Ordered/Dose on Hand X Amount on Hand = Amount to Administer
2 mins
Phenobarbital (Barbiturates)
- Mechanism
- Barbiturate
- Indications
- Seizures
- Side Effects
- Ataxia
- Paradoxical Excitement
- Fatigue/Drowsiness
- Considerations
- Monitor Plasma Levels
- High Potential for Abuse
1 min
Ampicillin and Amoxicillin
- Mechanism
- Aminopenicillin
- Broad Spectrum Penicillin
- Indications
- Gram-Positive and Some Gram-Negative Infections
- Side Effects
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Considerations
- No Effect Against Staph Aureus
- Often combined with Beta Lactamase Inhibitor
- Allergic Reaction
2 mins
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
- Mechanism
- Inhibits Platelet Aggregation
- NSAID
- Indications
- Thrombotic Event Prevention
- General Pain
- Inflammatory Conditions
- Fever
- Side Effects
- Pancytopenia
- GI Ulcers
- Bleeding
- Considerations
- Withhold Before Surgery 7-10 Days
- Reye's Syndrome
2 mins
Fluoroquinolones
- End in "-floxacin"
- Mechanism of Action
- Bactericidal
- Indications
- Variety of Infections
- Side Effects
- GI Distress
- Photosensitivity
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Children
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Considerations
- Avoid Milk Products or Antacids
- Slow IV Infusion
2 mins
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Overview
- Indications
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mechanism of Action
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
- Drugs
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
- Escitalopram
- Fluoxetine
- Side Effects
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Serotonin Syndrome
- Treat with Cyproheptadine
2 mins
Cisplatin (Platinol)
- Mechanism
- Alkylating Agent
- Cross-Links DNA
- Indications
- Testicular Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Side Effects
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Myelosuppression
- Nephrotoxicity
- Ototoxicity
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Considerations
- Antiemetics Before Administration
- Aggressive Hydration
3 mins
Vincristine (Oncovin)
- Mechanism
- Vinca Alkaloid
- Inhibits Microtubules
- Indications
- Leukemias
- Lymphomas
- Side Effects
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Paralytic Ileus
- Considerations
- Vesicant
2 mins
Valproic Acid (Depakote)
- Mechanism
- Blocks Na+ Channels
- Increases GABA Concentration
- Indications
- Tonic-clonic Seizures
- Bipolar Disorder
- Migraine Prophylaxis
- Side Effects
- Hepatotoxicity
- Blood Dyscrasias
- GI Distress
- Tremor
- Pancreatitis
1 min
Aminoglycoside Overview
- End in "-mycin"
- GNATS
- Gentamicin
- Neomycin
- Amikacin
- Tobramycin
- Streptomycin
- Mechanism of Action
- Bactericidal
- Indications
- Severe Gram Negative Infections
- Bowel Surgery Prep
1 min
Cimetidine and Famotidine (H2 Receptor Blockers)
- -tidine Suffix
- Mechanism
- H2 Receptor Blocker
- Indications
- Suppress Gastric Acid Secretion
- Side Effects (All)
- Pneumonia
- Side Effects - Cimetidine
- Anti-androgen Effects
- CNS Changes
2 mins
Tetracyclines Overview
- End in "-cycline"
- Mechanism of Action
- Bacteriostatic
- Indications
- Infectious Diseases
- Acne
- Periodontal Disease
- Nursing Considerations
- Avoid Milk, Antacids, Iron
- Sunlight Protection
1 min
Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits Clotting Factors
- Indications
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Venous Thrombosis
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Assessment
- PT/INR Levels
- Observe for Bleeding
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Nursing Considerations
- Vitamin K and Fresh Frozen Plasma
- Prolonged Therapeutic Onset
- Maintain Same Diet
2 mins
Hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ
- Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits Reabsorption NaCl and H2O
- Indications
- Edema
- Mild to Moderate Hypertension
- Side Effects
- Hypokalemia
- Hyponatremia
- Dehydration
- Hyperglycemia
- Gout
- Contraindications
- Sulfa Allergy
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
1 min
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Mechanism
- Blocks Na+ Channels
- Indications
- Tonic-clonic Seizures
- Side Effects
- Ataxia
- Nystagmus
- Sedation
- Gingival Hyperplasia
- Purple Glove Syndrome
- Hirsutism
- Rash
- Anemia
- Considerations
- Individualized Dosing
2 mins
Atropine
- Mechanism of Action
- Muscarinic Antagonist
- Indications
- Bradycardia
- Increased Exocrine Secretions
- Smooth Muscle Spasms
- Side Effects
- Tachycardia
- Dry Mouth
- Urinary Retention
2 mins
IV Solutions
- Hypotonic (< 280 mOsm/L)
- 1/4 Normal Saline (0.225% NaCl)
- 1/2 Normal Saline (0.45% NaCl)
- Isotonic (280-300 mOsm)
- Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl)
- Lactated Ringer's (LR)
- Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W)
- Hypertonic (> 300 mOsm)
- 3% or 5% NaCl
- Dextrose 5% in 0.45% NaCl
- Dextrose 10% in Water (D10W)
3 mins
IV Calculation Formulas
- IV TUBING
- Drop Factor
- Macrodrip
- Microdrip
- FLOW RATES
- Total Volume to Infuse (mL) X Drop Factor/ Time in Minutes = Drops/Minute (gtt/min)
- INFUSION TIME
- Total Volume to Infuse / mL per Hour Being Infused = Infusion Time
- Number of mL/Hr
- Total Volume in mL / Time in Hours = Number of mL per Hour
3 mins
Infusions Prescribed by Unit Dosage per Hour
- Step 1
- Determine Amount of Medication per 1mL
- Known Amount of Medication in Solution/Total Volume of Diluent = Amount of Medication per Milliliter
- Step 2
- Calculate mL per Hour
- Dose per Hour Desired/Concentration per Milliliter = Infusion Rate (mL/hour)
2 mins
Insulin
- Rapid Acting
- Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
- Insulin Aspart (Novolog)
- Insulin Glulisine (Apidra)
- Short Acting
- Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
- Intermediate Acting
- Isophane NPH (Humulin N)
- Long Acting
- Detemir (Levemir)
- Glargine (Lantus)
2 mins
