💊 Opioids & Antidotes
This opioid is ~100x stronger than morphine
What is fentanyl?
First-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia
What is atropine?
This steroid reduces cerebral edema and is used in chemo nausea
What is dexamethasone?
This TCA (Tricyclic Antidepressant) is used for depression, neuropathic pain, and insomnia
What is amitriptyline?
his inflammation marker rises and falls quickly (good for acute changes)
What is CRP?
This drug is the antidote for opioid overdose
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
This drug may cause a brief period of asystole when given for SVT
What is adenosine?
Long-term steroid use must never be stopped abruptly because of risk of ____
Adrenal crisis
Major anticholinergic side effects of TCAs include?
Dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision
This marker rises slowly and is best for chronic inflammation monitoring
What is ESR?
A patient on morphine develops RR = 8. What’s the priority nursing action?
Stop med, support airway, prepare naloxone.
This drug is first-line for VFib or pulseless VT
What is amiodarone?
This antihistamine is also used for anxiety, nausea, and itching
What is hydroxyzine?
This anticonvulsant is widely used for neuropathic pain but may cause dizziness and misuse potential.
What is gabapentin?
Normal CRP is typically less than?
3 mg/L
This opioid should NOT be used in children due to genetic metabolism variability
What is codeine?
This Class Ib antiarrhythmic treats ventricular arrhythmias but can cause CNS toxicity first
What is lidocaine?
Name 2 long-term complications of steroids
Osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, immunosuppression, Cushingoid features
Amitriptyline toxicity is remembered as the 3 C’s. Name them.
Coma, Convulsions, Cardiotoxicity.
ESR normal values are different for men and women. What are they?
Men < 15 mm/hr; Women < 20 mm/hr.
Name 2 common side effects of oxycodone besides respiratory depression
Constipation, nausea, dizziness, sedation, hypotension
This adrenergic agonist is the drug of choice for anaphylaxis and is used in cardiac arrest.
What is epinephrine?
A patient taking hydroxyzine should avoid what substance due to additive sedation?
Alcohol (or other CNS depressants)
What nursing diagnosis is most relevant for gabapentin due to dizziness and ataxia?
Risk for injury/falls
A post-op patient has an elevated CRP on day 2. Is this normal or concerning?
Expected — CRP rises after surgery, but persistent elevation after day 3 may indicate infection.