Heart of the Matter
What type of drug class is Diltiazem under?
What is a Calcium Channel Blocker?
What are two long-term complications of glucocorticoid therapy that clients should be taught to monitor for?
What are increased risk of infection and osteoporosis?
What type of inhaler is used for acute asthma symptoms?
What is a short-acting beta agonist (e.g., albuterol)?
What common harmless side effect should be expected with bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)?
What is blackening of the tongue and stool?
What is the antidote for a benzodiazepine overdose?
What is flumazenil?
Which drug class is used as an alternative to ACE Inhibitors?
What is ARBS (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)
Before giving metformin, what lab value must the nurse check, and what life-threatening complication can occur if this is not done?
What is creatinine, because metformin should be avoided in kidney impairment due to risk of lactic acidosis?
When a client is prescribed both a bronchodilator and an inhaled corticosteroid, which should be taken first, and why?
What is the bronchodilator, to open the airways and allow better absorption of the corticosteroid?
Which serious complication is associated with ondansetron?
What is QT prolongation leading to torsades de pointes?
What is the most serious complication of desmopressin, and what symptoms might indicate it?
What is water intoxication (hyponatremia), indicated by headache, confusion, or seizures?
What are two potentially serious adverse effects of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril that may require discontinuation?
What are angioedema and hyperkalemia?
What are two important teaching points for taking levothyroxine?
What are: take on an empty stomach before breakfast, and do not take with calcium or iron supplements?
Before giving ipratropium, the nurse should check for an allergy to what?
What is a peanut allergy?
Laxatives are contraindicated in clients with what condition, and why?
What is bowel obstruction, because they increase pressure and risk bowel perforation.
What is the most important safety instruction for clients taking isotretinoin, and why?
What is to avoid pregnancy due to a high risk of birth defects (teratogenicity)?
Nitroprusside is used for hypertensive emergencies. What serious complication can develop with prolonged use?
What is cyanide toxicity?
Clients taking propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole should be instructed to report which serious symptom, and why?
What is sore throat or fever, because these drugs can cause agranulocytosis (low WBC count and infection risk)?
What is the purpose of montelukast, and why should it not be used during an acute asthma attack?
What is to prevent asthma symptoms as a maintenance medication, because it does not work fast enough to treat acute bronchospasm?
What serious adverse effect can result from long-term use of metoclopramide, and what symptom should clients report?
What is tardive dyskinesia, and clients should report involuntary movements like lip smacking or tongue protrusion.
What are the two risks associated with taking Stimulant laxatives such as Senna or Bisacodyl?
What is risk for dependence and Hypokalemia?
What are three critical adverse effects of amiodarone that require ongoing monitoring?
What are pulmonary toxicity (dyspnea, cough), hepatotoxicity (elevated liver enzymes), and thyroid dysfunction (either hypo- or hyperthyroidism)?
A client abruptly stops taking long-term corticosteroids. What life-threatening condition can develop, and what are two key symptoms?
What is Addisonian crisis, and symptoms include hypotension and severe fatigue (or vascular collapse)?
What should a client avoid when taking Theophylline and why?
What is Caffeine because it intensifies the effects of Theophylline --> toxicity --> tachycardia, dysrhythmias, and seizures?
What important instruction should be given to clients taking psyllium?
What is to take it with a full glass of water to prevent obstruction?
Clients with a sulfa allergy should avoid which class of antidiabetic medications?
What are sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, glipizide)?