Medications
This first line antipsychotic medication is known to cause serious cardiac arrhythmias and even death.
What is Thioridazine?
Patients on this thyroid medication should be taught to take it on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast.
What is Levothyroxine?
This mood stabilizer has a narrow therapeutic index, and toxicity can cause tremors, confusion, and seizures.
What is Lithium?
When administering ketorolac, the nurse should assess for a history of this condition before giving the drug.
What is peptic ulcer disease or kidney disease?
Thioridazine should be administered with this to minimize GI upset.
What is food?
This hypnotic drug is prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia.
What is Zolpidem?
Clients taking lithium must be taught to maintain adequate intake of this essential electrolyte.
What is Sodium?
This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term pain relief can cause GI bleeding and kidney damage if used too long.
What is Ketorolac?
If a patient on lithium shows signs of toxicity, the nurse should first assess this lab value.
What is serum lithium level?
Fluoroquinolones should be taken at least 2 hours before or after these types of medications to prevent absorption problems.
What are antacids or iron supplements?
This medication is a combination used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
What is Carbidopa-Levodopa?
When taking a tricyclic antidepressant (like amitriptyline), patients should be instructed to take the medication at this time of day to minimize side effects.
What is bedtime (nighttime)?
One rare but serious side effect of fluoroquinolones is this musculoskeletal complication.
What is tendon rupture?
Before giving levothyroxine, the nurse should always assess this vital sign to ensure safety.
What is heart rate?
Zolpidem should be taken at this specific time to ensure effectiveness and safety.
What is immediately before bedtime?
This class of antibiotics includes ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.
What are Fluoroquinolones?
Clients using zolpidem should be warned to avoid activities that require this after taking the medication.
What is operating machinery or driving?
Excessive doses of levothyroxine may cause symptoms resembling this condition.
What is hyperthyroidism?
If a client taking carbidopa-levodopa experiences on-off phenomena, the nurse should anticipate discussing this adjustment with the provider.
What is medication timing or dose adjustment?
Lithium should be taken with food or milk for this reason.
What is to prevent GI upset?
This medication acts to thin mucus and aid in productive coughs.
What are Mucolytics?
Fluoroquinolone users should avoid excessive exposure to this environmental factor.
What is sunlight (photosensitivity risk)?
Thioridazine can cause this life-threatening syndrome involving muscle rigidity, fever, and altered mental status.
What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
Patients on mucolytics like acetylcysteine may require this additional intervention to clear loosened secretions.
What is chest physiotherapy (or suctioning if necessary)?
Antitussives are best taken at this time if the goal is to minimize nighttime coughing.
What is at bedtime?