Cardiac Medications
What vital sign must be checked before giving digoxin?
Apical pulse (hold if <60 bpm).
What teaching is important with tetracyclines?
Avoid milk/antacids, causes photosensitivity, not for children.
What is the onset of regular insulin?
30–60 minutes.
Which class of drugs is used for GERD and ends in “-prazole”?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
What does “peak and trough” mean in drug monitoring?
Peak = highest drug level; Trough = lowest before next dose
Which cardiac drug class ends in “-pril” and what is its major side effect?
ACE inhibitors; cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema.
Which antibiotic class has a black box warning for tendon rupture?
Fluoroquinolones.
What lab is monitored with levothyroxine therapy?
TSH (thyroid function).
Which antiemetic is used for chemotherapy-induced nausea?
Ondansetron (Zofran).
Which drug requires patients to avoid grapefruit juice?
All
Beta blockers should be avoided in which respiratory disorder?
Asthma (bronchospasm risk).
What is the drug of choice for MRSA?
Vancomycin (monitor trough, nephrotoxic/ototoxic).
Which insulin is long-acting and cannot be mixed?
Insulin glargine (Lantus).
Sucralfate is given before or after meals?
Before meals (coats the stomach).
What is the therapeutic range of lithium?
0.6–1.2 mEq/L.
What lab values are monitored with warfarin and heparin?
Warfarin → INR/PT; Heparin → aPTT.
What is the biggest side effect of aminoglycosides (gentamicin)?
Nephrotoxicity & ototoxicity
What drug is used for Addison’s disease?
Hydrocortisone (corticosteroid replacement).
Lactulose is given to patients with what liver condition?
Hepatic encephalopathy (reduces ammonia levels).
What does Digoxin do for the heart in failure?
Increases myocardial contractility
What is the antidote for digoxin toxicity?
Digoxin immune fab (Digibind).
What antiviral is used for herpes infections?
Acyclovir.
Metformin should be held before what procedure?
Contrast dye studies (risk of lactic acidosis).
Which laxative is contraindicated in bowel obstruction?
Stimulant laxatives (ex: bisacodyl).
Name 3 high-alert medications commonly tested on HESI.
Insulin, anticoagulants, opioids (morphine).