Week 3 Drug Cards Flashcards

Study Notes

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.

Description

Test your knowledge on drug classifications and dosages with this Week 3 flashcard quiz. Focus on sodium chloride and its various forms, indications, and administration guidelines. Perfect for nursing or pharmacology students.