Nursing-relevant drug classes with the single most important nursing consideration or side effect to watch for.
44 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the primary nursing consideration when administering ACE inhibitors?
- Monitor serum potassium levels; ACE inhibitors increase potassium retention and can cause hyperkalemia
- What major electrolyte imbalance should be monitored with ARB medications?
- Hyperkalemia; ARBs block angiotensin II receptors, reducing aldosterone secretion
- What is the most important vital sign to monitor when giving beta blockers?
- Heart rate; watch for bradycardia and decreased cardiac output
- What compensatory response can occur with dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers?
- Reflex tachycardia; peripheral vasodilation triggers compensatory heart rate increase
- What is the most critical electrolyte disturbance from loop diuretics?
- Hypokalemia; loop diuretics inhibit sodium, chloride, and potassium reabsorption at the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, causing potassium wasting.
- What electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with thiazide diuretics?
- Hypokalemia; they increase distal tubular secretion of potassium into the urine
- Why should patients on spironolactone be monitored for hyperkalemia?
- Spironolactone blocks aldosterone, preventing potassium excretion in the distal tubule
- What drug-related muscle problem should patients on statins report immediately?
- Muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine; signs of statin-induced myopathy or rhabdomyolysis
- What is the most serious GI complication associated with NSAID use?
- Gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration; NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins that protect gastric mucosa
- What is the most important consideration when administering acetaminophen?
- Monitor total daily dose to prevent hepatotoxicity; maximum 4 grams per day in adults
- What is the major nursing consideration for patients on aspirin therapy?
- Monitor for bleeding; aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation
- What is the most critical monitoring parameter for warfarin therapy?
- INR (International Normalized Ratio); maintain within therapeutic range to prevent bleeding or clotting
- What serious adverse reaction should be monitored when administering IV heparin?
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); platelet count may drop significantly, requiring drug discontinuation
- Why is renal function critical when monitoring DOAC therapy?
- DOACs are renally eliminated; decreased renal function increases drug levels and bleeding risk
- What is the main nursing concern when administering clopidogrel (Plavix)?
- Bleeding risk; clopidogrel irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation like aspirin