NURSING PHARMACOLOGY: ULTIMATE
STUDY GUIDE
High-Yield Exam Prep | Course Code: NURS-301 | Stuvia Premium Upload
1. Core Concept Overview
Pharmacology is one of the highest-selling document categories globally on Stuvia. Medical, Nursing,
and NCLEX aspirants consistently purchase concise, structured cheat-sheets that simplify drug
classifications, mechanisms of action, and critical nursing interventions.
2. Autonomic Nervous System & Cardiovascular Systems
(High-Yield)
Drug Class & Mechanism of Action Common Critical Nursing Interventions /
Suffix Indications Side Effects
Beta Blockers Blocks Beta-1 receptors in the Hypertension, Angina, • Monitor HR and BP.
-olol heart, decreasing heart rate and Heart Failure, Post-MI. • Hold if HR < 60 bpm or SBP <
(e.g., Metoprolol) cardiac output. 100.
• Side effects: Bradycardia,
bronchospasm (avoid in asthma).
ACE Inhibitors Blocks conversion of Hypertension, Heart • Monitor for hyperkalemia.
-pril Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II; Failure, Diabetic • Side effects: Dry cough (switch to
(e.g., Lisinopril) promotes vasodilation. Nephropathy. ARB), Angioedema (life-threatening).
Calcium Channel Inhibits calcium influx into Hypertension, Angina, • Monitor BP and ECG.
Blockers myocardial and vascular Atrial Fibrillation. • Avoid grapefruit juice (increases
-dipine, Verapamil smooth muscle cells; causes toxicity).
vasodilation. • Side effects: Peripheral edema,
constipation.
Loop Diuretics Blocks reabsorption of sodium Pulmonary Edema, • Monitor fluid balance (I/O, weight).
-semide and chloride in the Loop of Heart Failure fluid • Causes severe hypokalemia.
(e.g., Furosemide) Henle, causing profound overload, Hypertension. • Push slowly to prevent ototoxicity
diuresis. (tinnitus).
3. Mnemonics for Fast Recall
The 'ACE' Acronym for ACE Inhibitors Side Effects:
STUDY GUIDE
High-Yield Exam Prep | Course Code: NURS-301 | Stuvia Premium Upload
1. Core Concept Overview
Pharmacology is one of the highest-selling document categories globally on Stuvia. Medical, Nursing,
and NCLEX aspirants consistently purchase concise, structured cheat-sheets that simplify drug
classifications, mechanisms of action, and critical nursing interventions.
2. Autonomic Nervous System & Cardiovascular Systems
(High-Yield)
Drug Class & Mechanism of Action Common Critical Nursing Interventions /
Suffix Indications Side Effects
Beta Blockers Blocks Beta-1 receptors in the Hypertension, Angina, • Monitor HR and BP.
-olol heart, decreasing heart rate and Heart Failure, Post-MI. • Hold if HR < 60 bpm or SBP <
(e.g., Metoprolol) cardiac output. 100.
• Side effects: Bradycardia,
bronchospasm (avoid in asthma).
ACE Inhibitors Blocks conversion of Hypertension, Heart • Monitor for hyperkalemia.
-pril Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II; Failure, Diabetic • Side effects: Dry cough (switch to
(e.g., Lisinopril) promotes vasodilation. Nephropathy. ARB), Angioedema (life-threatening).
Calcium Channel Inhibits calcium influx into Hypertension, Angina, • Monitor BP and ECG.
Blockers myocardial and vascular Atrial Fibrillation. • Avoid grapefruit juice (increases
-dipine, Verapamil smooth muscle cells; causes toxicity).
vasodilation. • Side effects: Peripheral edema,
constipation.
Loop Diuretics Blocks reabsorption of sodium Pulmonary Edema, • Monitor fluid balance (I/O, weight).
-semide and chloride in the Loop of Heart Failure fluid • Causes severe hypokalemia.
(e.g., Furosemide) Henle, causing profound overload, Hypertension. • Push slowly to prevent ototoxicity
diuresis. (tinnitus).
3. Mnemonics for Fast Recall
The 'ACE' Acronym for ACE Inhibitors Side Effects:
