What's That Class?
Losartan
What is an ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker)
A patient is prescribed doxycycline for an infection
"Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen due to photosensitivity."
This medication reduces stomach acid production by irreversibly blocking proton pumps in the stomach.
What is omeprazole (PPI)?
This ACE inhibitor commonly causes a persistent dry cough.
What is lisinopril?
A patient taking furosemide reports muscle cramps and weakness. The nurse notes a flattened T wave on the ECG. This electrolyte imbalance is most likely occurring.
What is hypokalemia?
This medication is classified as a corticosteroid. It suppresses inflammation and immune responses and is used for asthma exacerbations, autoimmune disorders, and allergic reactions.
What is prednisone?
Ondansetron
What is an antiemetic
A patient is prescribed atorvastatin for high cholesterol.
"Report unexplained muscle pain or weakness and avoid excessive grapefruit juice consumption."
This medication increases urine output by preventing sodium and water reabsorption in the Loop of Henle.
What is Lasix (a loop diuretic)?
This opioid analgesic commonly causes constipation, respiratory depression, and sedation.
What is morphine
A patient taking warfarin has an INR of 6.2 and active bleeding. This medication may be prescribed as the antidote.
What is vitamin K (phytonadione)?
This medication is classified as a thyroid hormone replacement. It treats hypothyroidism by replacing the hormone normally produced by the thyroid gland and should be taken on an empty stomach.
What is levothyroxine?
clopidogrel
What is an antiplatelet
A patient is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid such as fluticasone.
"Rinse your mouth out after each use to avoid oral thrush"
This antiplatelet medication prevents platelets from sticking together by blocking ADP receptors on platelet surfaces.
What is clopidogrel? ( antiplatelet aggregation)
This statin may cause muscle pain and, in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis.
What is atorvastatin?
A nurse prepares to administer regular insulin and NPH insulin together. This insulin should be drawn up first.
What is regular insulin?
This chemotherapy medication is classified as an alkylating agent. It works by damaging DNA in rapidly dividing cancer cells and is commonly used to treat lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer.
What is cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?
Amiodarone
What is an antiarrhythmic
A patient is started on sertraline for depression.
"It may take several weeks to feel the full effect of the medication, and it should not be stopped abruptly."
This medication is works by blocking calcium entry into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, causing vasodilation.
What is amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker?
This cardiac glycoside may cause visual disturbances such as seeing yellow or green halos, along with nausea.
What is digoxin?
A patient receiving IV vancomycin develops flushing, itching, and redness of the upper body during the infusion.
What is Red Man Syndrome?
This medication is classified as an antimetabolite. It interferes with DNA synthesis and is commonly used to treat leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, and osteosarcoma. High doses may require leucovorin rescue.
What is methotrexate?
Spironolactone
What is a potassium-sparing diuretic
A patient is prescribed phenytoin for seizure control.
"Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits because the medication may cause gingival hyperplasia."
This medication enhances the effects of GABA in the central nervous system.
This antibiotic is known for causing nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, requiring careful monitoring of drug levels.
What is gentamicin?
A patient taking an SSRI and a newly prescribed migraine medication develops agitation, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, and a fever of 103°F.
What is seratonin syndrome?
This term describes the study of how a drug moves through the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
What is pharmacokinetics?
Ciprofloxacin
What is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic?
A patient starts taking an MAOI antidepressant. The nurse explains that consuming aged cheeses, cured meats, and red wine could lead to a hypertensive crisis.
"Avoid foods high in tyramine and seek immediate care for a severe headache or elevated blood pressure."
This medication increases serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake.
What is sertraline, a SSRI?
This nitrate medication commonly causes headaches, flushing, and dizziness due to vasodilation.
What is nitroglycerin?
A patient taking long-term corticosteroids presents with a moon face, buffalo hump, hyperglycemia, and weight gain. The nurse recognizes this syndrome.
What is Cushing's syndrome?
This term refers to the concentration of a medication in the bloodstream that produces the desired therapeutic effect without causing toxicity.
What is the therapeutic range (therapeutic level)?
Vancomycin
What is a glycopeptide antibiotic?
A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.
"Take the medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and avoid taking it with calcium or iron supplements."
This medication lowers blood pressure and heart rate by blocking beta₁ receptors in the heart.
What is metoprolol, a beta-blocker
This opioid antagonist can trigger acute withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, nausea, vomiting, and hypertension if given to a patient dependent on opioids.
What is narcan?
This term refers to an unintended, undesirable, and often predictable response that occurs when a medication is administered at a normal dose.
What is an adverse effect (adverse reaction)?
A medication that blocks the action of another medication at a receptor site.
What is an antagonist?