NCLEX Pharmacology Flashcards (ATI PINK BOOK)

Cardiovascular Medications

• ACE Inhibitors (-pril):

  • Common side effects are angioedema, non-productive cough, and elevated potassium levels. Can cause hypotension.

• ARBs (-sartan):

  • Potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset, hypotension, and angioedema.

• Calcium Channel Blockers:

  • Representative mnemonics: "Very Nice Drugs" or "Hairy Boobs Can Deter Providers". Side effects include hypotension, bradycardia, constipation, dysrhythmias, and pulmonary edema.

• Beta Blockers (-olol):

  • Types include B1 (e.g., Metoprolol) and B2 (e.g., Propranolol). Common effects: bradycardia, decreased cardiac output, hypotension. Side effects may include erectile dysfunction and bronchospasm.

• Vasodilators (e.g., Nitro-):

  • Risks include cyanide toxicity, thiocyanate toxicity, and hypotension.

• Digoxin:

  • Therapeutic range is 0.8-2. Used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Side effects include dysrhythmias, vision changes, bradycardia, GI upset, fatigue, and weakness.

• Nitroglycerine:

  • Common side effects: headache, hypotension, and reflex tachycardia.

Antiarrhythmic and Other Related Medications

• Class I Antiarrhythmics (-cain):

  • Side effects include hypotension, arrhythmias, leukopenia, lupus, and thrombocytopenia.

• Amiodarone:

  • Side effects include hypotension, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary disorders, liver toxicity, vision changes, GI upset, and bradycardia.

• Adenosine:

  • Side effects include facial flushing, nausea, bronchospasm, and prolonged asystole.

Lipid-Lowering Medications

• Statins (-statin):

  • Side effects consist of GI upset, muscle pain/aches, hepatotoxicity, and rhabdomyolysis.

• Ezetimibe:

  • Monitor for hepatotoxicity and muscle aches/pains.

• Bile Acid Sequestrants (e.g., Colesevelam):

  • Notable side effect includes constipation.

Blood Glucose Management

• Rapid Insulin (LISPRO):

  • Onset: 0.5-2.5 hours, peak: 15-30 minutes, duration: 3-6 hours.

• Short Acting Insulin (Regular):

  • Onset: 0.5-1 hour, peak: 1-5 hours, duration: 6-10 hours.

• Intermediate Insulin (NPH):

  • Peak: 1-2 hours, onset: 6-14 hours, duration: 16-24 hours.

• Long Acting Insulin (GLARGINE):

  • Lasts 24 hours with no peak.

Hormonal and Metabolic Medications

• Levothyroxine:

  • Side effects: nervousness, tremors, tachycardia, weight loss. Monitor T4 and TSH, should be taken on an empty stomach.

• Methimazole:

  • Possible adverse effects include agranulocytosis, GI upset, rash, and hepatotoxicity.

• Metformin:

  • Side effects include GI upset, metallic taste, B12 deficiency, and risk of lactic acidosis.

Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Medications

• Prednisone:

  • Common effects include muscle weakness, fluid retention, peptic ulcer disease, adrenal suppression, and hyperglycemia.

• Guaifenesin:

  • Used for thinning mucus, side effects include GI upset and drowsiness.

Nutritional and Dietary Considerations

• Nutrition Guidelines:
  • Protein: 10-35%, fat: 20-35%, carbs: 40-65%, fiber: 25g (women) - 38g (men).

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

• Metabolic Acidosis:

  • Causes include lactic acidosis, diabetes, starvation, and alcoholism.

• Metabolic Alkalosis:

  • Results from vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, and diuretic use.

Miscellaneous

• Cushing's Disease:

  • Symptoms include hypernatremia, hypertension, increased blood volume, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia.

• Addison's Disease:

  • Characterized by inadequate cortisol or aldosterone production leading to various symptoms.

• General Observations in EKG:

  • Hyperkalemia presents peaked T waves, while hypokalemia shows inverted T waves.

Infection Control Precautions

• Airborne Precautions:

  • Conditions include TB, measles, and varicella.

• Droplet Precautions:

  • Includes conditions like sepsis, pneumonia, and influenza.

Renal and Related Conditions

• Potassium and Calcium Effects on EKG:
  • Hypercalcemia shortens QT interval; hypocalcemia prolongs QT interval.

Test your knowledge of pharmacology topics essential for the NCLEX exam with these flashcards. This quiz covers important drug classes including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and Calcium Channel Blockers. Perfect for nursing students preparing for their exams.