NURS 516-EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE 2026
Know labs discussed in class and meaning
Anticoagulants: PT (Prothrombin Time), INR (International Normalized Ratio), aPTT
(Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)
Diuretics: Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride), BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen),
Creatinine
Anti-infectives: WBC (White Blood Cell count), Culture and Sensitivity tests
Antidote examples
1. Vitamin K for warfarin overdose
2. Protamine sulfate for heparin overdose
3. Naloxone for opioid overdose
General nursing considerations for anticoagulants (ex. when to stop, biggest side
effect/adverse concerns, teaching)
1. Knowing when to stop anticoagulants prior to surgery or invasive procedures
2. Monitoring for signs of bleeding (biggest side effect/adverse concern)
3. Teaching patients about signs of bleeding and importance of compliance
Know the different diuretics discussed, what used for, and general nursing considerations
discussed in class.
1. Types: Thiazide diuretics, Loop diuretics, Potassium-sparing diuretics
2. Used for: Hypertension, Edema
3. Nursing Considerations: Monitor electrolyte levels, especially potassium; Monitor
fluid balance
Teaching with Statins
1. Emphasize importance of adherence to medication regimen
2. Educate about potential side effects (e.g., muscle pain, liver function abnormalities)
3. Discuss lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise)
Infection Control and Antibiotic Resistance
1. Proper hand hygiene techniques
2. Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
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3. Importance of completing full course of antibiotics
4. Understanding antibiotic stewardship
Review side effects of enteral/parenteral nutrition
Enteral: Risk of aspiration, diarrhea, metabolic complications
Parenteral: Infection at insertion site, metabolic complications
Anti-infectives
a. general side effects
b. PCN specific side effects
c. C. diff therapy
d. Vancomycin side/adverse effects discussed in class
1. General Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions
2. Penicillin Specific Side Effects: Allergic reactions (ranging from rash to anaphylaxis),
diarrhea
3. C. diff Therapy: Metronidazole, Vancomycin
4. Vancomycin Side Effects: Nephrotoxicity, Ototoxicity
Fluid volume overload and fluid volume deficit S/S and assessments
Overload: Edema, hypertension, crackles in lungs
Deficit: Dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, hypotension
Electrolytes s/s of hypo/hyper
1. Hypokalemia: Weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps
2. Hyperkalemia: Muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias
3. Hyponatremia: Headache, confusion, seizures
4. Hypernatremia: Thirst, dry mucous membranes, altered mental status
Review Mg and K administration considerations- especially surrounding IV therapy
- Monitor serum levels closely, especially with IV therapy
- Administer at a controlled rate to avoid rapid fluctuations
Hypertensive crisis considerations
- Monitor blood pressure frequently - Administer antihypertensive medications as ordered
- Assess for signs of end-organ damage (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath)
What does INR measure in relation to anticoagulant therapy?
NURS 516