07 Practical Nursing Pharmacology Free Online FlashCards

What five checks guide medication administration?

Confirm the correct patient, medication, dose, route, and time; compare the medication with the current order and record.

Which patient-specific factors should be reviewed before giving a medication?

Consider age, pregnancy status, kidney and liver function, and prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements.

What should be monitored with ACE inhibitors and ARBs?

Monitor blood pressure and ordered kidney-function and potassium tests; these medicines can increase potassium or alter kidney function.

Which swelling may signal angioedema during ACE-inhibitor therapy?

Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue may signal angioedema and requires urgent reporting.

How can diuretics affect potassium?

Loop diuretics may lower potassium, while potassium-sparing diuretics may raise it.

What monitoring and interaction concerns are important with warfarin?

Warfarin requires ordered INR monitoring and has important food and drug interactions.

A patient scheduled for mealtime insulin cannot eat. What should the nurse do?

Do not assume the usual dose is safe. Check glucose, the order, and meal timing, then promptly clarify the plan with the responsible clinician according to policy.

What are common signs of hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia can cause sweating, shakiness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Do antibiotics treat colds or flu?

No. Antibiotics treat susceptible bacterial infections, not viral illnesses such as colds or flu.

What should patients check to avoid accidental acetaminophen excess?

Check combination products to avoid taking duplicate acetaminophen, which can cause severe liver injury in excessive amounts.

What are major risks of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen?

NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and may increase cardiovascular or kidney risks.

What dangerous effect can opioids have on breathing?

Opioids can dangerously slow breathing, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedating medicines.