Corticosteroids
“This oral glucocorticoid MUST be tapered gradually after long-term use to prevent adrenal insufficiency.”
What is prednisone (or dexamethasone/methylprednisone)?
“This rapid-acting insulin peaks about 1 hour after injection and MUST be taken with a meal.”
What is Humalog (lispro)?
“This H2 blocker is commonly known by the brand name Pepcid and should be taken 30 minutes before meals or at bedtime.”
What is famotidine?
“This ACE inhibitor lowers blood pressure by preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, but may cause a dry cough.”
What is lisinopril?
“This is the number of tablets to give if the order is 500 mg and the available tablets are 250 mg each.”
What is 2 tablets?
“This timing instruction helps prevent GI upset and mimics natural cortisol rhythm for prednisone therapy.”
What is “take it in the morning with food”?
“This type of insulin is used IV in emergencies like DKA due to its immediate effect.”
What is regular insulin (Novolin R)?
“This stool softener prevents straining after surgery and works by emulsifying fat to soften stool.”
What is docusate (Colace)?
“This diuretic, known as Lasix, increases urine output by blocking sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle.”
What is furosemide?
“The order is for 50 mg, and the medication is available as 25 mg per 5 mL. This is how many milliliters you should give.”
What is 10 mL?
“This high-risk condition makes levothyroxine replacement therapy dangerous because it increases oxygen demand on the heart.”
What is a recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina?
“This is the correct timing for taking regular insulin subcutaneously before meals.”
What is 30–60 minutes before eating?
“This osmotic laxative must be mixed with 4–8 ounces of fluid and should NOT be used in bowel obstruction.”
What is polyethylene glycol (PEG / Miralax)?
“This lipid-lowering medication decreases triglycerides but should not be taken with statins due to risk of myopathy.”
What is gemfibrozil?
“The order reads 1.5 g, but the pharmacy supplies 500 mg capsules. This is how many capsules you should give.”
What is 3 capsules?
“This life-threatening condition can occur when a patient taking long-term prednisone suddenly stops the medication and develops severe fatigue, hypotension, nausea, and joint pain.”
What is acute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis)?
“This sulfonylurea stimulates the pancreas to release insulin and must be taken with breakfast to prevent hypoglycemia.”
What is glipizide (or glimepiride)?
“This antiemetic can cause QT prolongation and should be given 30 minutes before chemotherapy.”
What is ondansetron (Zofran)?
“This condition involves fatty plaque buildup inside arterial walls, while its similar-sounding counterpart refers to general age-related hardening of arteries.”
What are atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?
“The prescription is 0.25 mg, but the tablets are 0.1 mg each. This is the number of tablets required for one dose.”
What is 2.5 tablets?
“This patient statement about methylprednisone shows the NEED for further teaching: ‘If I start feeling better, I can stop the medication suddenly.’”
What is “What is the incorrect statement about stopping corticosteroids abruptly?”
“This administration teaching for Lantus prevents altered absorption and hypoglycemia risk.”
What is “Do not mix it with other insulins”?
“This medication is used to reduce ammonia levels in liver failure and is considered effective when the patient’s mental status improves.”
What is lactulose?
“This cardiac glycoside increases contractility and slows heart rate; the nurse must check the apical pulse for one full minute and withhold if below 60 bpm.”
What is digoxin?
“A patient is to receive 75 mg of a medication. The available vial contains 120 mg in 2 mL. This is the correct volume to administer.”
What is 1.25 mL?