BP Management
Whenever a nurse messages you regarding an elevated BP, the first question should be?
What is "Is the patient symptomatic? Can I get all vitals?"
This scoring system estimates bleeding risk in patients on anticoagulation.
What is HAS-BLED?
This osmotic laxative, often used daily in the hospital, works by retaining water in the stool and increasing bowel movement frequency.
What is polyethylene glycol (PEG)?
This electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with peaked T waves on EKG.
What is hyperkalemia?
This is the initial management for all diabetic patients inpatient
What is insulin?
First-line IV medication commonly used for hypertensive emergency with rapid titratability.
What is nicardipine?
The first step in managing unstable AF with hypotension.
What is immediate synchronized cardioversion?
Which med is least effective for true constipation?
What is Docusate?
Rapid correction of this electrolyte abnormality can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome.
What is chronic hypo/hypernatremia?
In hospitalized patients, this class of outpatient diabetes medications is typically held due to risk of lactic acidosis, especially in those with renal dysfunction or acute illness.
What is metformin?
In hypertensive emergency, goal is to reduce MAP by this percentage in the first hour.
What is about 25%?
Preferred initial rate control agents (2) in stable AF without contraindications.
What are beta-blockers or non-DHP calcium channel blockers?
This osmotic agent (commonly used inpatient) works by drawing water into the colon.
What is polyethylene glycol (PEG)?
Hyponatremia with low serum osmolality and high urine sodium suggests this diagnosis.
What is SIADH?
Clue: In DKA, this electrolyte must be ≥3.3 mEq/L before starting insulin therapy.
What is potassium?
This IV antihypertensive is preferred in aortic dissection due to its effect on shear stress.
What is esmolol (or beta-blocker first)?
Duration of AF > this time generally requires anticoagulation before elective cardioversion.
What is 48 hours?
This peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist is used for refractory opioid-induced constipation.
What is methylnaltrexone?
This electrolyte is often repleted alongside potassium to help correct refractory hypokalemia.
What is Magnesium?
This condition is suggested by normal glucose with metabolic acidosis and ketones, often seen with SGLT2 inhibitors.
What is euglycemic DKA?
This condition requires permissive hypertension and avoiding aggressive BP reduction in acute phase.
What is acute ischemic stroke?
In patients with AF and RVR plus decompensated HFrEF, this medication is often preferred for rate control.
What is digoxin (or amiodarone)?
This alarm symptom in constipation warrants colonoscopy evaluation rather than empiric treatment.
What is unintentional weight loss (or hematochezia/anemia)?
This formula is used to calculate free water deficit in hypernatremia.
What is TBW × [(Na/140) − 1]?
In a patient being treated for DKA, this laboratory change—rather than normalization of glucose—indicates the primary metabolic process has resolved and insulin infusion can begin transitioning.
What is closure of the anion gap?