Latest Med Surg Nursing Drug Cards Combo with ans 2026
1. Name: Ertapenam (Sodium): Also known as Invanz
Uses: Adults with moderate to severe infections such as intraabdominal in- fections,
complicated skin infections, community acquired pneumonia, acute pelvic infections,
and infection prophylaxis prior to elective colorectal surgery.
Contraindications and Precautions: Children, geriatrics, GI/renal/hepatic dis- ease, and
anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams: *Dosage and Routes: Adults1 gram/day duration depending
on the reason for medication use anywhere between 5-14 days. Children 15mg/kg/bid between 5-14 days
depending on reason for medication. Surgical infection prophylaxis 1gram given 1 hour before surgery.
*Side Ettects: Insomnia, Seizures, tachycardia, N/V, dyspnea, cough, crackles, anaphylaxis
*Drug Tests: Hepatic Enzymes
*Teach: report severe diarrhea, avoid breastfeeding, and report overgrowth of infection such as black furry tongue,
vaginal itching, and foul smelling stools.
*Overdose Treatment: Epinephrine and antihistamines
2. Name: K-Lor also known as potassium bicarbonate or potassium chloride Uses:
Prevention and treatment of hypokalemia
Contraindications: Severe renal disease, severe hemolytic disease, Addison's disease,
hyperkalemia, acute dehydration, and extensive tissue breakdown.: -
*Dosage and Routes: Hypokalemia prevention adult 20 mEq/day 1-2 doses PO for adults, for hypokalemia or digoxin
toxicity IV max 10 mEq/1hr with a max of 200mEq in 24 hours. P) 40-100 mEq/kg/hour in 2-4 doses
*Side Ettects: Confusion, bradycardia, cardiac depression and arrhythmias, N/V, oliguria, cold extremities and rash.
*Assess: signs of hyperkalemia
*Teach: Add potassium to diet, avoid OTC products such as antacids, and report signs of hyperkalemia
3. *Trade Name: Dilaudid
*Generic Name: Hydromorphone
*Classification: Analgesics (Narcotics)
*Action: Inhibits ascending pain pathways in CNS, increases pain threshold, alters
pain perception.
*Use: Morderate to severe pain, non-productive cough
,Latest Med Surg Nursing Drug Cards Combo with ans 2026
*Safe Dose: 2.5 - 10 mg q 3-6 hrs orally or 1-2 mg q 4-6 hrs by injection: *Com- mon/Life
Threatening SE: Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headache, sedation, euphoria, seizures, hypotension, N&V,
constipation, cramps, rash, increased urinary output, respiratory depression
*Contraindications: Hypersensitivity; respiratory depression, opioid-naïve patients. Pregnancy.
*Nursing Considerations: Respiratory dysfunction. I&O ratio (urinary retention); CNS changes (dizziness, LOC); Pain
(control). Assist with ambulation and use safety measures.
*Pt Teaching: Report any symptoms of CNS changes, allergic reactions. Physical dependency may occur. Withdrawal
may occur. Avoid driving.
4. *Trade Name: Lasix
*Generic Name: Furosemide
*Classification: Diuretics (Loop)
*Action: Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride at proximal and distal tubule
and in the loop of Henle.
*Use: Pulmonary edema; edema with CHF, hepatic disease, nephrotic syn- drome,
ascites, hypertension.
*Safe Dose: 20-80 mg/day in AM. After 6 hrs up to 600 mg/day. 20-40 mg
IV.: *Common/Life Threatening SE: Headache, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, chest pain, circulatory collapse, loss
of hearing, blurred vision, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia, nausea,
diarrhea, polyuria, renal failure, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, anemia, rash, pruitis, Stevens-Johnson
syndrome, cramps
*Contraindications: breast feeding, infants, anuria, hypovolemia, electrolyte depletion.
*Nursing Considerations: weight, daily I&O; Hypertension - B/P lying, standing; Hypokalmeia - postural hypotension,
malaise tachycardia; rashses, temp; Hearing - tinnitus; Electrolyte, BUN, Glucose in urine, allergies.
*Pt Teaching: high potassium diet; rise slowly from lying or sitting position; recognize adverse reactions; exercise, diet,
stress relief; use of sunscreen; take early in day to avoid sleeplessness; avoid OTC medications unless ordered by
prescriber.
5. *Trade Name: Lanoxin
*Generic Name: Digoxin
*Classification: Antiarrythmic (Cardiac Glycoside)
*Action: Inhibits the sodium-postassium ATPase pump, which makes more calcium
available for contractile proteins, thereby resulting in increased cardiac output.
,Latest Med Surg Nursing Drug Cards Combo with ans 2026
*Use: Heart failure, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, cardio- genic
shock, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, rapid digitalization in these disor- ders.
*Safe Dose: 10-15 mcg/kg in 3 divided doses q 6-8 hrs.: *Common/Life Threatening
SE: Headache, drowsiness, apathy, confusion, dysrhythmias, hypotension, bradycardia, AV block, blurred vision, yel-
low-green halos, N&V, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
*Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to digoxin, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, carotid sinus syndrome,
2nd or 3rd degree heart block.
*Nursing Considerations: Assess pulse for 1 min before giving product (if pulse <60 take again in 1 hr); check electrolyte
(K, Na, Cl, Mg, Ca); renal function tests; I&O ratio; Cardiac status.
*Pt Teaching: Do not stop product abruptly; avoid OTC medication and herbal remedies; notify prescriber of loss of
appetite; toxic symptoms of product; maintain a sodium restricted diet as ordered; report SOB, diflculty breathing,
weight gain, edema, persistent cough.
6. *Trade Name: Humulin R
*Generic Name: Insulin Regular
*Classification: Antidiabetic Agent
*Action: Acts via specific membrane-bound receptors on target tissues to reg- ulate
metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fats.
*Onset of action: 0.5 hrs; Peak: 2.5-5 hrs
Duration of action: 4-12hrs
*Use: Treatment of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ad- junct
to parental nutrition. To keep blood glucose levels in accurate range (80-
140mg/dL).
*Safe Dose: SubQ (regular insulin can be given IV). The number and size of daily
doses, time of administration, and diet all require continuous supervision. Usual
maintenance range: 0.5-1.2 units/kg/day: *Common/Life Threatening SE: Hypoglycemia is most
common adverse ettect. Cardio: palpitation, pallor, tachycardia. CNS: fatigue, hypothermia. Derm: uticaria, redness. GI:
hunger, nausea, numbness of mouth. Local: atrophy or hypertrophy of subQ fat tissue, edema, itching pain.
OCULAR: transient presbyopia, blurred vision. MISC: anaphylaxis, diaphoresis
*Contraindications:Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.
*Nursing Considerations:Assess for potential interactions with other products pt may be taking. Assess lab results,
therapeutic ettectiveness, and adverse response.
, Latest Med Surg Nursing Drug Cards Combo with ans 2026
*Patient Teaching: Educate patient: do not take any new medication during therapy unless approved by doctor, Should
be administered 30-60 minutes before a meal.
7. *Trade Name: NovoLog
*Generic Name: Insulin Aspart
*Classification: Antidiabetic Agent
*Action: Acts via specific membrane-bound receptors on target tissues to reg- ulate
metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fats.
*Use: Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus, and type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve
glycemic control.
*Safe Dose: SC injection.
Usual maintenance dose: 0.2-0.6
units/kg/day in divided doses.: *Common/Life Threatening SE: Hypoglycemia is most common adverse
ettect. Cardio: palpitation, pallor, tachycardia. CNS: fatigue, hypothermia. Derm: uticaria, redness. GI: hunger, nausea,
numbness of mouth. Local: atrophy or hypertrophy of subQ fat tissue, edema, itching pain. OCULAR: transient
presbyopia, blurred vision. MISC: anaphylaxis, diaphoresis
*Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.
*Nursing Considerations: Assess for potential interactions with other products pt may be taking. Assess lab results,
therapeutic ettectiveness, and adverse response.
*Patient Teaching: Educate patient: do not take any new medication during therapy unless approved by doctor, Should
be administered 30-60 minutes before a meal.
8. *Trade Name: Rocephin
*Generic Name: Ceftriaxone sodium
*Classification: Cephalosporin (3rd generation)
*Action: To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria
*Use: Serious lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, gonococcal, intraab- dominal
infections, septicemia, meningitis, bone, joint infections, otitis media.
*Safe Dose: Adult: IM/IV 1-2 g/day, max q12-24hr IM
peak 2-3 hours
IV onset 5 mins
*Common/Life Threatening SE: Assess sensitivity to penicillin and other
cephalosporin's. Severe diarrhea-discontinue. Can cause nephrotoxicity, ana- phylaxis,
perineal itching, fever, malaise, redness, pain, swelling. Can increase
1. Name: Ertapenam (Sodium): Also known as Invanz
Uses: Adults with moderate to severe infections such as intraabdominal in- fections,
complicated skin infections, community acquired pneumonia, acute pelvic infections,
and infection prophylaxis prior to elective colorectal surgery.
Contraindications and Precautions: Children, geriatrics, GI/renal/hepatic dis- ease, and
anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams: *Dosage and Routes: Adults1 gram/day duration depending
on the reason for medication use anywhere between 5-14 days. Children 15mg/kg/bid between 5-14 days
depending on reason for medication. Surgical infection prophylaxis 1gram given 1 hour before surgery.
*Side Ettects: Insomnia, Seizures, tachycardia, N/V, dyspnea, cough, crackles, anaphylaxis
*Drug Tests: Hepatic Enzymes
*Teach: report severe diarrhea, avoid breastfeeding, and report overgrowth of infection such as black furry tongue,
vaginal itching, and foul smelling stools.
*Overdose Treatment: Epinephrine and antihistamines
2. Name: K-Lor also known as potassium bicarbonate or potassium chloride Uses:
Prevention and treatment of hypokalemia
Contraindications: Severe renal disease, severe hemolytic disease, Addison's disease,
hyperkalemia, acute dehydration, and extensive tissue breakdown.: -
*Dosage and Routes: Hypokalemia prevention adult 20 mEq/day 1-2 doses PO for adults, for hypokalemia or digoxin
toxicity IV max 10 mEq/1hr with a max of 200mEq in 24 hours. P) 40-100 mEq/kg/hour in 2-4 doses
*Side Ettects: Confusion, bradycardia, cardiac depression and arrhythmias, N/V, oliguria, cold extremities and rash.
*Assess: signs of hyperkalemia
*Teach: Add potassium to diet, avoid OTC products such as antacids, and report signs of hyperkalemia
3. *Trade Name: Dilaudid
*Generic Name: Hydromorphone
*Classification: Analgesics (Narcotics)
*Action: Inhibits ascending pain pathways in CNS, increases pain threshold, alters
pain perception.
*Use: Morderate to severe pain, non-productive cough
,Latest Med Surg Nursing Drug Cards Combo with ans 2026
*Safe Dose: 2.5 - 10 mg q 3-6 hrs orally or 1-2 mg q 4-6 hrs by injection: *Com- mon/Life
Threatening SE: Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headache, sedation, euphoria, seizures, hypotension, N&V,
constipation, cramps, rash, increased urinary output, respiratory depression
*Contraindications: Hypersensitivity; respiratory depression, opioid-naïve patients. Pregnancy.
*Nursing Considerations: Respiratory dysfunction. I&O ratio (urinary retention); CNS changes (dizziness, LOC); Pain
(control). Assist with ambulation and use safety measures.
*Pt Teaching: Report any symptoms of CNS changes, allergic reactions. Physical dependency may occur. Withdrawal
may occur. Avoid driving.
4. *Trade Name: Lasix
*Generic Name: Furosemide
*Classification: Diuretics (Loop)
*Action: Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride at proximal and distal tubule
and in the loop of Henle.
*Use: Pulmonary edema; edema with CHF, hepatic disease, nephrotic syn- drome,
ascites, hypertension.
*Safe Dose: 20-80 mg/day in AM. After 6 hrs up to 600 mg/day. 20-40 mg
IV.: *Common/Life Threatening SE: Headache, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, chest pain, circulatory collapse, loss
of hearing, blurred vision, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia, nausea,
diarrhea, polyuria, renal failure, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, anemia, rash, pruitis, Stevens-Johnson
syndrome, cramps
*Contraindications: breast feeding, infants, anuria, hypovolemia, electrolyte depletion.
*Nursing Considerations: weight, daily I&O; Hypertension - B/P lying, standing; Hypokalmeia - postural hypotension,
malaise tachycardia; rashses, temp; Hearing - tinnitus; Electrolyte, BUN, Glucose in urine, allergies.
*Pt Teaching: high potassium diet; rise slowly from lying or sitting position; recognize adverse reactions; exercise, diet,
stress relief; use of sunscreen; take early in day to avoid sleeplessness; avoid OTC medications unless ordered by
prescriber.
5. *Trade Name: Lanoxin
*Generic Name: Digoxin
*Classification: Antiarrythmic (Cardiac Glycoside)
*Action: Inhibits the sodium-postassium ATPase pump, which makes more calcium
available for contractile proteins, thereby resulting in increased cardiac output.
,Latest Med Surg Nursing Drug Cards Combo with ans 2026
*Use: Heart failure, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, cardio- genic
shock, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, rapid digitalization in these disor- ders.
*Safe Dose: 10-15 mcg/kg in 3 divided doses q 6-8 hrs.: *Common/Life Threatening
SE: Headache, drowsiness, apathy, confusion, dysrhythmias, hypotension, bradycardia, AV block, blurred vision, yel-
low-green halos, N&V, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
*Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to digoxin, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, carotid sinus syndrome,
2nd or 3rd degree heart block.
*Nursing Considerations: Assess pulse for 1 min before giving product (if pulse <60 take again in 1 hr); check electrolyte
(K, Na, Cl, Mg, Ca); renal function tests; I&O ratio; Cardiac status.
*Pt Teaching: Do not stop product abruptly; avoid OTC medication and herbal remedies; notify prescriber of loss of
appetite; toxic symptoms of product; maintain a sodium restricted diet as ordered; report SOB, diflculty breathing,
weight gain, edema, persistent cough.
6. *Trade Name: Humulin R
*Generic Name: Insulin Regular
*Classification: Antidiabetic Agent
*Action: Acts via specific membrane-bound receptors on target tissues to reg- ulate
metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fats.
*Onset of action: 0.5 hrs; Peak: 2.5-5 hrs
Duration of action: 4-12hrs
*Use: Treatment of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ad- junct
to parental nutrition. To keep blood glucose levels in accurate range (80-
140mg/dL).
*Safe Dose: SubQ (regular insulin can be given IV). The number and size of daily
doses, time of administration, and diet all require continuous supervision. Usual
maintenance range: 0.5-1.2 units/kg/day: *Common/Life Threatening SE: Hypoglycemia is most
common adverse ettect. Cardio: palpitation, pallor, tachycardia. CNS: fatigue, hypothermia. Derm: uticaria, redness. GI:
hunger, nausea, numbness of mouth. Local: atrophy or hypertrophy of subQ fat tissue, edema, itching pain.
OCULAR: transient presbyopia, blurred vision. MISC: anaphylaxis, diaphoresis
*Contraindications:Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.
*Nursing Considerations:Assess for potential interactions with other products pt may be taking. Assess lab results,
therapeutic ettectiveness, and adverse response.
, Latest Med Surg Nursing Drug Cards Combo with ans 2026
*Patient Teaching: Educate patient: do not take any new medication during therapy unless approved by doctor, Should
be administered 30-60 minutes before a meal.
7. *Trade Name: NovoLog
*Generic Name: Insulin Aspart
*Classification: Antidiabetic Agent
*Action: Acts via specific membrane-bound receptors on target tissues to reg- ulate
metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fats.
*Use: Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus, and type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve
glycemic control.
*Safe Dose: SC injection.
Usual maintenance dose: 0.2-0.6
units/kg/day in divided doses.: *Common/Life Threatening SE: Hypoglycemia is most common adverse
ettect. Cardio: palpitation, pallor, tachycardia. CNS: fatigue, hypothermia. Derm: uticaria, redness. GI: hunger, nausea,
numbness of mouth. Local: atrophy or hypertrophy of subQ fat tissue, edema, itching pain. OCULAR: transient
presbyopia, blurred vision. MISC: anaphylaxis, diaphoresis
*Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.
*Nursing Considerations: Assess for potential interactions with other products pt may be taking. Assess lab results,
therapeutic ettectiveness, and adverse response.
*Patient Teaching: Educate patient: do not take any new medication during therapy unless approved by doctor, Should
be administered 30-60 minutes before a meal.
8. *Trade Name: Rocephin
*Generic Name: Ceftriaxone sodium
*Classification: Cephalosporin (3rd generation)
*Action: To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria
*Use: Serious lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, gonococcal, intraab- dominal
infections, septicemia, meningitis, bone, joint infections, otitis media.
*Safe Dose: Adult: IM/IV 1-2 g/day, max q12-24hr IM
peak 2-3 hours
IV onset 5 mins
*Common/Life Threatening SE: Assess sensitivity to penicillin and other
cephalosporin's. Severe diarrhea-discontinue. Can cause nephrotoxicity, ana- phylaxis,
perineal itching, fever, malaise, redness, pain, swelling. Can increase
