Week 3 Drug Cards Flashcards

Sodium Chloride

• Pharmacologic Class: Mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements.
• Clinical uses: Maintenance of fluid and electrolyte status; used in conditions with excessive losses or severe salt restriction.
• Usual Dose:
  • 0.9% NaCl (isotonic): 1 L (150 mEq sodium/L).
  • 0.45% NaCl (hypotonic): 1-2 L (75 mEq sodium/L).
  • 3% and 5% NaCl (hypertonic): 100 mL over 1 hour; contains higher concentrations of sodium.
• Common uses for 0.9% NaCl: Replacement therapy, management of metabolic alkalosis, priming fluid for hemodialysis, starting and ending blood transfusions.
• Contraindications for hypertonic solutions: Not suitable for patients with elevated or normal sodium levels, fluid retention, or hypernatremia.
• Notable side effects: Heart failure, pulmonary edema, hypernatremia, hypervolemia, hypokalemia.
• Nursing Implications: Monitor for serious electrolyte imbalances; avoid confusion between concentrated sodium chloride and saline flush solutions.

Coreg (Carvedilol)

• Pharmacologic Class: Beta blockers.
• Clinical Class: Antihypertensives.
• Usual Dose:
  • Increased after 3-10 days to 12.5 mg twice daily.
  • Target dose: 25 mg twice daily; extended-release: 20 mg once daily, can be doubled every 3-10 days up to 80 mg once daily.
• Indications:
  • Management of hypertension.
  • Heart failure (ischemic or cardiomyopathic), generally used with digoxin, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors.
  • Left ventricular dysfunction post-myocardial infarction.
• Contraindications:
  • History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
  • Conditions like pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, bradycardia, or uncompensated heart failure requiring IV agents.
  • Severe hepatic impairment or asthma.
• Common side effects: Dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, drowsiness, insomnia, mental status changes, and blurred vision.
• Nursing Implications: Measure apical pulse before administration to ensure patient safety.