Diabetes
What is the first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes?
Metformin
What word endings do beta blockers have in common?
LOL (e.g metoprolol, labetalol, propranolol)
What is the major risk of first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine?
Sedation, drowsiness
What is the primary use of IV normal saline (0.9% NaCl)?
Fluid resuscitation and hydration.
What is a common side effect of magnesium-containing antacids?
What is the main risk of insulin therapy?
Hypoglycemia
Ending for Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)?
PRAZOLE (e.g. omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole)
Which medication is commonly used as a cough suppressant?
Dextromethorphan
What is the major risk of IV potassium (K⁺) administration?
Cardiac arrhythmias and hyperkalemia.
What should patients do when taking bulk-forming laxatives to avoid bowel obstruction?
Drink plenty of water.
What is a common side effect of metformin?
Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea).
Ending for bronchodilators?
TEROL (e.g Albuterol, Formoterol, salbutamol)
What is the rescue medication used for acute asthma attacks?
Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol.
What are the symptoms of fluid overload from excessive IV fluids?
Shortness of breath, edema, high blood pressure, and pulmonary congestion.
What type of drug is used to neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from heartburn?
Antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide).
A nurse is administering insulin to a client. Why is it important to rotate injection sites within the same general area (e.g., abdomen) rather than switching between different areas of the body?
Rotating within the same area ensures consistent absorption of insulin and prevents lipodystrophy (fat tissue changes that can affect insulin absorption).
ONE (e.g beclomethasone, fluticasone)
IDE (e.g budesonide, Ciclesonide)
What is an important patient teaching point for nasal decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline?
Use for no more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion.
What is the antidote for magnesium toxicity?
Calcium gluconate.
What serious condition must be monitored when using metoclopramide (Reglan) for GI motility?
Extrapyramidal symptoms (involuntary muscle movements).
What is the primary difference between rapid-acting insulin (e.g., lispro) and long-acting insulin (e.g., glargine) in terms of onset and duration?
Rapid-acting insulin has an onset of 15 minutes and lasts 2-4 hours
Long-acting insulin has an onset of 1-2 hours and lasts up to 24 hours.
Ending for GLP AGONIST?
TIDE (e.g. semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide)
Why should leukotriene receptor antagonists like montelukast not be used for an acute asthma attack?
They work slowly and are used for long-term asthma control, not for rapid relief.
A patient with severe hypokalemia is receiving IV potassium replacement. What are some key nursing considerations?
1. NEVER give IV push potassium—always dilute and infuse slowly (risk of cardiac arrest).
2. Monitor cardiac rhythm continuously (risk of arrhythmias).
3. Assess for burning or phlebitis at the IV site (potassium is irritating to veins).
What is the mechanism of action of aminosalicylates like sulfasalazine in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
They exert a topical anti-inflammatory effect in the bowel, reducing local inflammation.