Learn Critical Care Medications with Picmonic
Master ICU meds like a pro! Picmonic turns complex drugs into pictures. Science shows it works! Conquer critical care medications & their uses with funny characters, stories & quizzes. Be a confident ICU nurse who delivers expert care!
Critical Care Nursing | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid
Critical Care Drugs
21 Picmonics to Learn | 36 mins
Alteplase
- Mechanism
- Tissue Plasminogen Activator
- Indications
- Thrombosis
- Side Effects
- Bleeding
- Contraindications
- Intracranial Hemorrhage
- Internal Hemorrhaging
- Considerations
- Minimize Bleeding
- Monitor for Shock
- Antidote
- Aminocaproic Acid
2 mins
Warfarin Antidotes
- Antidotes
- Vitamin K
- Fresh Frozen Plasma
59 secs
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
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
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- Pathophysiology
- 5-10 Days After Heparin Exposure
- Heparin-Platelet Factor 4 Complex
- Autoantibodies Form Against Complex
- Heparin-Platelet Factor 4-Antibody Complex Binds Platelets
- Platelet Aggregation
- Procoagulant Release
- Symptoms
- Thrombocytopenia
- Diagnosis
- Serotonin Release Assay (SRA)
- Treatment
- Stop Heparin, Start Direct Thrombin Inhibitor
2 mins
Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
- Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits Clotting Factors
- Factor Xa
- Indications
- Clot Formation Prevention
- Side Effects
- Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- Bleeding
- Considerations
- Medication Education
- Subcutaneous Injection
- 2 Inches from Umbilicus or Incisions
- Antidote
- Protamine Sulfate
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
Nitroglycerin
- Mechanism of Action
- Decreases Preload
- Indications
- Angina
- Up to 3 doses q 5 mins
- Side Effects
- Headache
- Hypotension
- Contraindications
- Viagra (Sildenafil)
- Nursing Considerations
- Assess Blood Pressure
- Protect From Light
- Use Glass Bottle and Special Tubing
- Gloves for Applying Topically
2 mins
Adenosine (Adenocard)
- Mechanism
- Slows AV Conduction
- Indications
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (Paroxysmal)
- Side Effects
- Bradycardia
- Flushing
- Dyspnea
- Considerations
- Rapid IV Push
- Caffeine and Theophylline Decrease Effectiveness
- Dipyridamole May Intensify Effects
2 mins
Lidocaine
- Mechanism
- Blocks Na+ Channels
- Indications
- Ventricular Arrhythmia
- Anesthetic
- Side Effects
- Paresthesias
- Seizures
- Respiratory Depression
- Drowsiness
- Consideration
- Anesthetic Effects Extended with Epinephrine
1 min
Dobutamine
- Mechanism
- Beta-1 Agonist
- Inotropic
- Indications
- Heart Failure
- Side Effects
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmias
- Considerations
- Closely Monitor Patients
- Other Meds May Increase Potency
1 min
Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
- Mechanism
- Alpha and Beta Agonist
- Indications
- Anaphylaxis
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
- Bleeding
- Cardiac Arrest
- Side Effects
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Considerations
- Multiple Strengths
2 mins
Norepinephrine (Levophed)
- Mechanism of Action
- Alpha Agonist
- Beta-1 Agonist
- Indications
- Severe Hypotension
- Side Effect
- Decreases Renal Blood Flow
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension
- Considerations
- Tissue Necrosis
- Last Resort Medication
2 mins
Nitroprusside
- Mechanism of Action
- Direct Release of NO
- Increase cGMP
- Short Half-Life
- Indications
- Malignant Hypertension
- Side Effect
- Cyanide Toxicity
1 min
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
Mannitol (Osmitrol)
- Mechanism
- Osmotic Diuresis
- Indications
- Reducing Intracranial Pressure
- Reducing Intraocular Pressure
- Renal Failure Prophylaxis
- Side Effects
- Edema
- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance
- Considerations
- Avoid Use in Cardiac Patients
- IV Administration
2 mins
Naloxone (Narcan)
- Mechanism
- Competitive Opioid Receptor Antagonist
- Indications
- Opioid Induced CNS Depression
- Side Effects
- Severe Nausea and Vomiting
- Excitable State
- Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
- Considerations
- Repeated Dosing Often Required
1 min
Oxycodone
- Mechanism of Action
- Opioid Receptor Agonist
- Indication
- Refractory Pain
- Side Effects
- Respiratory Depression
- Constipation
- CNS Depression
- Considerations
- Addiction
- Naloxone
2 mins
Fentanyl
- Mechanism of Action
- Opioid Receptor Agonist
- High Potency
- Indications
- Anesthesia Induction
- Chronic Pain
- Breakthrough Pain
- Side Effects
- CNS Depression
- Respiratory Depression
- Constipation
- Miosis
- Considerations
- Addiction
3 mins
Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone)
- Mechanism of Action
- Combination Drug
- Partial Opioid Receptor Agonist (Buprenorphine)
- Opioid Receptor Antagonist (Naloxone)
- Indication
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Side Effects
- CNS Depression
- Diaphoresis
- Hypotension
- Considerations
- Low Abuse Potential
2 mins
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