Nursing Medication Calculations
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Nursing Medication Calculations

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Questions and Answers

1 tablespoon (Tbsp) is equivalent to _____ teaspoons (tsp).

3 tsp

How many ounces are there in a pint?

16 fluid ounces

What is the common dosage calculation formula used in nursing?

  • Desired Amount (mcg, mg, u)
  • Desired Dose (D) / Available Dose (H) x Q (correct)
  • Total Volume (mL) / Total Time (hr)
  • Dose On Hand (X)
  • An IV flow rate can be calculated with the formula Total Volume (mL) / Total Time (hr).

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A microgram is equivalent to _____ grams.

    <p>0.000001 g</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the antidote for Warfarin?

    <p>Vitamin K</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following routes is the most rapid for medication administration?

    <p>Intravenous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Diuretics can lead to low potassium levels in the body.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the abbreviation for 'administered orally'?

    <p>PO</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The 'Z-track' method is used for injecting _____ medications.

    <p>irritating</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential side effect of long-term corticosteroid use?

    <p>Osteoporosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these medications should NOT be given to heart failure patients?

    <p>Amlodipine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Digoxin affects blood pressure but not heart rate.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the therapeutic range for Digoxin?

    <p>0.5-2.0</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Calcium channel blockers are used to treat _________ and angina.

    <p>hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the medication with its primary side effect:

    <p>Amlodipine = Edema Nitroglycerin = Headache Atorvastatin = Hepatotoxicity Fenofibrate = Gallstones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bile acid sequestrants lower LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids in the gut.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should patients avoid when taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors?

    <p>Grapefruit juice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common side effect of vasodilators?

    <p>Hypotension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should transdermal patches be removed?

    <p>After 12-14 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Digoxin can cause toxicity if potassium levels are ______.

    <p>low</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Measurement Equivalents

    • 3 teaspoons (tsp) equals 1 tablespoon (Tbsp).
    • 1 tablespoon equals 1 fluid ounce.
    • 8 ounces (oz) equals 1 cup.
    • 2 cups equals 1 pint.
    • 2 pints equals 1 quart.
    • 4 quarts equals 1 gallon.
    • 1 juice glass equals 4 oz.
    • 1 teacup equals 6 oz.
    • 1 teaspoon equals 5 mL.
    • 1 tablespoon equals 15 mL or 3 tsp.
    • 1 gram equals 1000 mg.
    • 1 microgram equals 0.000001 grams.
    • 1 kilogram equals 2.2 lbs.
    • 1 mg equals 1000 mcg or 0.001 grams.
    • 1 lb equals 16 oz.

    Dosage Calculations

    • Basic formula: Dose Required × Quantity = Dose on Hand × X.
    • Example: For 25 mg of Metoprolol available as 50 mg tablets, administer 0.5 tablets.
    • Infusion time calculation: Total Volume ÷ mL/hr = Total Time.
    • Example: Infuse 1L of NS at 125 mL/hr to run for 8 hours.
    • Calculate drops per minute using: Total Volume × Drop Factor ÷ Total Time (in minutes).

    Medication Administration Routes

    • Topical: Application through skin; forms include ointments, gels, and patches.
    • Nasal: Administered for allergies and congestion; forms are sprays and inhalers.
    • Oral: Medications taken by mouth; insulin cannot be administered orally.
    • Vaginal: Includes gels, foams, and IUDs for birth control.
    • Otic: Directly instilled into the ear; administration varies between adults and children.
    • Ophthalmic: For eye conditions; follow proper application techniques to avoid contamination.
    • Inhalants: Includes MDIs and nebulizers, proper inhalation techniques are crucial.
    • Buccal: Medications placed in the cheek; avoid eating/drinking for 15-20 minutes post-administration.
    • Sublingual: Under the tongue for rapid absorption.
    • NG Tube: Needs are met with liquids or crushed tablets, ensuring proper placement.
    • Rectal: Includes enemas, suppositories, and ointments.
    • Intradermal: Used for testing, requires specific administration techniques.
    • Subcutaneous: Injection into fatty tissue; rotate sites, and do not aspirate.
    • Intramuscular: Used for various medications with specific sites and techniques.
    • Intravenous: Rapid administration of medications or fluids; monitor closely for complications.

    7 Rights of Safe Medication Administration

    • Right person
    • Right drug
    • Right dose
    • Right time
    • Right route
    • Right technique
    • Right documentation

    Skin Disorders & Their Treatments

    • Skin disorders classified as inflammatory, infectious, or cancerous.
    • Treatment for bacterial infections includes antibiotics and topicals containing benzoyl peroxide.
    • Antifungals for yeast infections (e.g., Clotrimazole for Tinea; Nystatin for candidiasis).
    • Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema treated with topical corticosteroids (Hydrocortisone acetate).
    • Psoriasis managed with topical treatments and phototherapy.
    • Skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma (most common, treated surgically) and malignant melanoma (more aggressive, requiring extensive treatment).

    Musculoskeletal System Medications

    • Glucocorticosteroids: Decrease inflammation; associated with several side effects including Cushing's syndrome.
    • DMARDs: Slow disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate is a common treatment.
    • Muscle Relaxants/Skeletal Muscle Spasm Treatment: Includes Cyclobenzaprine and Baclofen.
    • Gout Treatment: NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve acute symptoms.

    Opioids

    • Strong pain relief with higher addiction potential; monitored for overdose risk.
    • Examples include Morphine, Fentanyl, and the antidote Naloxone.

    Antiseizure Medications

    • Various classes including Barbiturates and GABA analogs.
    • Common medications are Phenytoin and Benzos like Diazepam.

    Insulin and Diabetes Medications

    • Different insulin types: Rapid-acting, Short-acting, Intermediate-acting, Long-acting, and Inhaled insulin.
    • Various oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., Metformin, Sulfonylureas).
    • Regular insulin is the only type administered IV.

    Antihypertensives

    • ACE Inhibitors: -pril suffix drugs reduce BP and have renal protective effects.
    • ARBs: -sartan suffix drugs block angiotensin receptors.
    • Beta-Blockers: Reduce heart rate and BP; important to monitor pulse and BP before administration.

    Diuretics

    • Thiazide, Loop, and Potassium-sparing diuretics each have specific mechanisms and potassium considerations.
    • Monitor for signs of electrolyte imbalance and renal function throughout diuretic therapy.

    These notes summarize key medication facts and administration methods vital for effective pharmacological management and patient safety.### Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

    • Primarily used for treating hypertension (HTN), angina, and coronary artery spasm
    • Mechanism: Block calcium (Ca²⁺) entry into vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation
    • Effects: Reduces myocardial contraction force, heart rate, and peripheral vascular resistance
    • Benefits: Dilates coronary arteries, increases myocardial oxygen delivery, and decreases oxygen demand
    • Common side effects: Edema, dysrhythmias
    • Administration consideration: Do not crush or open capsules; monitor for orthostatic hypotension
    • Contraindication: Not suitable for patients with heart failure (HF)
    • Monitor heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) before administration; withhold if BP < 90 or HR < 60
    • Common medications include Amlodipine (Norvasc), Diltiazem (Cardizem), Nefidipine (Procardia XL), and Verapamil Hydrochloride (Isoptin, Calan)

    Vasodilators

    • Indicated in managing heart failure and hypertension; can prevent and treat angina
    • Actions: Relaxes smooth muscle, lowers BP, enhances oxygen delivery to major organs
    • Administration: Rotate transdermal patches; patches should be removed after 12-14 hours and be patch-free for 10-12 hours
    • Monitor potassium (K) levels; assess for hypotension before administration
    • Side effects: Headaches, flushing, and hypotension
    • Important drug interactions: Avoid using with Viagra (sildenafil)
    • Key medications include Nitroglycerin, Nitroprusside, Isosorbide, and Hydralazine (Apresoline)

    Cardiac Glycosides

    • Used for heart failure, potentially as an antiarrhythmic
    • Does not significantly affect blood pressure; primarily influences heart rate
    • Therapeutic range: 0.5 - 2.0 ng/mL for Digoxin
    • Positive inotropic effect: Improves myocardial contractility and output
    • Negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects: Reduces HR and slows AV conduction
    • Considerations: Monitor potassium (K⁺) and Digoxin levels as low K⁺ increases toxicity risk
    • Toxicity symptoms: Visual disturbances, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, irregular pulse, and confusion
    • Commonly prescribed medication: Digoxin (Lanoxin)

    Dysrhythmias Treatment

    • Sodium Channel Blockers: Includes Propafenone (Rhythmol), Flecainide (Tambocor), Quinidine (Quinidex)
    • Beta Blockers: Includes Atenolol (Tenormin), Propranolol (Inderal)
    • Potassium Channel Blockers: Includes Amiodarone (Cordarone), Sotalol (Betapace), Bretylium
    • Calcium Channel Blockers: Includes Diltiazem (Cardizem), Verapamil (Isoptin)

    Key Treatment Insights

    • All medications except Digoxin may lower BP
    • Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers may reduce HR
    • Avoid giving calcium channel blockers to heart failure patients
    • Digoxin, beta blockers, vasodilators, and diuretics are appropriate for heart failure
    • ACE inhibitors/ARBs are contraindicated in pregnancy

    Lipid Disorders Overview

    • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Considered "good" cholesterol
    • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Considered "bad" cholesterol
    • VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein): Also considered "bad" cholesterol

    Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)

    • Reduce blood lipid levels by decreasing liver cholesterol production
    • Increase LDL receptors and inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme
    • Watch for side effects: Liver toxicity, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis
    • Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) and creatine kinase (CK) levels; avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice
    • Take statins in the evening for optimal effect; common medications include Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Simvastatin (Zocor)

    Bile Acid Sequestrants

    • Reduce LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids in the gut, promoting their excretion
    • Patients should increase fiber and fluid intake; medication may interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
    • Side effects: Constipation, flatulence, gastrointestinal disturbances
    • Common medications include Colesevelam (Welchol), Cholestyramine (Questran)

    Fibric Acid Derivatives

    • Lower triglyceride synthesis in the liver and increase HDL cholesterol levels
    • Monitor LFTs and CK levels for hepatotoxicity and myopathy risks
    • Side effects: Gallstones and gastrointestinal upset
    • Common medications include Fenofibrate (Tricor) and Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

    General Considerations for Hyperlipidemic Medications

    • All medications that affect the liver and lipid profile; most are contraindicated during pregnancy
    • Routine monitoring of liver function tests is critical to ensure safety and efficacy.

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    Description

    This quiz tests your knowledge of various medical calculations and conversions, including dosage calculations, IV flow rates, and unit conversions.

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