Nursing Pharmacology

Blood Thinners

100

This commonly prescribed blood thinner's effectiveness and dosing is evaluated by INR.

Warfarin/Coumadin

200

This IV blood thinner's effectiveness/dosing is measured via PTT.  

Heparin

300

This medication is often confused with a blood thinner but is actually an anti-platelet medication.  It is given for patients with NSTEMI/STEMI or post-stent.  The typical dose is 75mg daily.

Plavix

Electrolytes

100

This electrolyte is typically replaced when the level reaches <3.5.

You must know this electrolyte's level for you patient prior to giving lasix (and they are usually given together)

Potassium

200

This electrolyte is replaced when the level reaches <1.9.  It is also given for torsades des pointes or ectopy on the monitor. 

Magnesium

300

This is given when the serum level or ionized level is low and is usually 1gm or 2gm IV.  

Calcium

Pain medication

100

This pain medication is given orally and usually ranges from 5mg to 10mg for post-op patients.

Oxycodone or Hydrocodone

200

This pain medication is given SL, PO, or IV.  The typical IV dose is 1-4mg.  Be careful for a low BP after administration.

Morphine

300

This pain medication is given in a transdermal patch, nasally, or IV.  The typical IV dose is 25-50mcg per hour for short term post-op pain.  

Fentanyl

HTN

100

This commonly prescribed ACE inhibitor is given at a dose starting at 10mg ranging up to 40mg.

Lisinopril

200

This commonly prescribed beta blocker is given IV or PO.  The typical IV dose is 5mg.

Metoprolol

300

This medication dilates the coronary arteries and can be given SL or IV.

Nitroglycerin