NCLEX-PN Pharmacology: Key Medications for Exam Success
Content Description: This study guide provides a comprehensive and
easy-to-read overview of essential medications for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Each entry includes the drug name, its classification, key uses, important
nursing considerations, and potential side effects. This format is designed
for quick review and effective memorization, making it an ideal resource for
exam preparation
1. Heparin
Answer: Anticoagulant; Monitor pt's lab work-PTT. Antidote is protamine
sulfate.
2. Lovenox
Answer: Anticoagulant; Enoxaparin sodium.
3. Plavix
Answer: (Clopidogrel); This antiplatelet drug prolongs bleeding time, so it
should be watched. Avoid aspirin.
4. Tylenol
Answer: Analgesic; Antipyretic; liver toxicity with high doses;
<4000mg/day; liver patient <2000mg/day.
, 5. Lithium
Answer: Antimanic; a primary drug in manic depression (bipolar); 0.8-1.2
mEq/L; monitor blood levels.
6. Vancomycin
Answer: Antibiotic; Treats MRSA, C diff; Ototoxic, nephrotoxic; Infuse
slowly (60 min) to avoid red man syndrome; CDC 12-step program.
7. Gentamycin
Answer: Aminoglycoside, Antibiotic; Neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity,
ototoxicity. Slow IV/IM Synergistic when combined with a B-lactam
(Sepsis); carefully monitor client's taking furosemide (lasix).
8. Dilaudid
Answer: Hydromorphone, Narcotic Analgesic; CNS Depressant.
9. Morphine
Answer: (MS Contin); opioid; CNS depressant, constipation, confusion,
hypotension, urinary retention, tolerance; monitor respiration, pain, teach
fall precaution, constipation, bright room. Should be withheld if the
respirations are below 10.
10. Valium
Answer: (Diazepam); Benzodiazepine; Antianxiety; potentiates GABA,
abuse potential, tolerance. SE: CNS effects (sedation, dizzy, confusion)
Muscle relaxant.
11. Ativan
Answer: (Lorazepam); Antianxiety; Antiseizure; Benzodiazepine; CNS
depressant (sedation), blackout, respiratory depressant; assess fall,
monitor respiration if on other CNS depressant.
12. Lipitor
Content Description: This study guide provides a comprehensive and
easy-to-read overview of essential medications for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Each entry includes the drug name, its classification, key uses, important
nursing considerations, and potential side effects. This format is designed
for quick review and effective memorization, making it an ideal resource for
exam preparation
1. Heparin
Answer: Anticoagulant; Monitor pt's lab work-PTT. Antidote is protamine
sulfate.
2. Lovenox
Answer: Anticoagulant; Enoxaparin sodium.
3. Plavix
Answer: (Clopidogrel); This antiplatelet drug prolongs bleeding time, so it
should be watched. Avoid aspirin.
4. Tylenol
Answer: Analgesic; Antipyretic; liver toxicity with high doses;
<4000mg/day; liver patient <2000mg/day.
, 5. Lithium
Answer: Antimanic; a primary drug in manic depression (bipolar); 0.8-1.2
mEq/L; monitor blood levels.
6. Vancomycin
Answer: Antibiotic; Treats MRSA, C diff; Ototoxic, nephrotoxic; Infuse
slowly (60 min) to avoid red man syndrome; CDC 12-step program.
7. Gentamycin
Answer: Aminoglycoside, Antibiotic; Neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity,
ototoxicity. Slow IV/IM Synergistic when combined with a B-lactam
(Sepsis); carefully monitor client's taking furosemide (lasix).
8. Dilaudid
Answer: Hydromorphone, Narcotic Analgesic; CNS Depressant.
9. Morphine
Answer: (MS Contin); opioid; CNS depressant, constipation, confusion,
hypotension, urinary retention, tolerance; monitor respiration, pain, teach
fall precaution, constipation, bright room. Should be withheld if the
respirations are below 10.
10. Valium
Answer: (Diazepam); Benzodiazepine; Antianxiety; potentiates GABA,
abuse potential, tolerance. SE: CNS effects (sedation, dizzy, confusion)
Muscle relaxant.
11. Ativan
Answer: (Lorazepam); Antianxiety; Antiseizure; Benzodiazepine; CNS
depressant (sedation), blackout, respiratory depressant; assess fall,
monitor respiration if on other CNS depressant.
12. Lipitor
