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