Essentials - Comprehensive Pharmacology for Nursing Practice

NUR301 Essentials: Comprehensive Pharmacology for
Nursing Practice
From Pill to Patient: Mastering Pharmacology for NUR30



1. What is an NSAID used for?

✅ Mild to moderate pain

2. What are the NSAIDs we must know?

✅
 Diclofenac
 Aspirin
 Naproxen
 Ibuprofen
 Celecoxib




3. What is the difference in mechanism of action between 1st and
2nd generation NSAIDs?

✅
 1st generation: Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2
 2nd generation: Inhibits COX-2 only




4. General mechanism of action (MOA) for NSAIDs:

✅
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,NUR301 Essentials: Comprehensive Pharmacology for
Nursing Practice
From Pill to Patient: Mastering Pharmacology for NUR30


 Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 → inhibits prostaglandin synthesis
 Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic




5. General side effects of NSAIDs:

✅
 GI upset/bleeding
 Renal toxicity
 Liver effects (e.g. jaundice, hepatitis)
 Hypertension, CVA, MI
 Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
 Seizures
 Headache, nervousness




6. General nursing considerations for NSAIDs:

✅
 Take with food, preferably protein-rich
 Use caution with cardiac patients or those with high BP
 Avoid with bleeding risks (e.g., warfarin)
 Monitor pain level
 Do not crush tablets; liquid may be used




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,NUR301 Essentials: Comprehensive Pharmacology for
Nursing Practice
From Pill to Patient: Mastering Pharmacology for NUR30


7. Additional MOA for aspirin:

✅ Decreases platelet aggregation

8. Additional side effects for aspirin (ASPIRIN mnemonic):

✅
 A: Abdominal pain & asthma trigger
 S: Salicylism
 P: Peptic ulcer disease
 I: Intestinal bleeding
 R: Reye’s Syndrome, Respiratory distress (laryngeal edema)
 I: Itchy/rash
 N: Noise (tinnitus)




9. Additional desired outcome for aspirin:

✅ Reduced clotting risk

10. What kind of route of administration is diclofenac given?

✅ Topical (e.g., Voltaren gel) → More localized, fewer systemic side effects


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, NUR301 Essentials: Comprehensive Pharmacology for
Nursing Practice
From Pill to Patient: Mastering Pharmacology for NUR30


11. Additional side effects for diclofenac:

✅
 Pruritus
 Dry skin




12. Additional nursing consideration for diclofenac:

✅ Monitor skin integrity

13. Specific use for diclofenac:

✅ Knee and back pain

14. What is the 2nd generation NSAID we must know?

✅ Celecoxib (Celebrex)

15. What is celecoxib’s MOA?

✅ Inhibits COX-2


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