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My Clinial FAILURE form had bold red letters stating: LACK In Prepared LACK Organizational Skills LACK Critical Thinking with Nursing Process
Ending with: "able to return next semester contingent upon demonstrating INCREASED COMPETANCIES in these core areas."
"NEVER GIVE UP!!" my mom & dad used to tell me, so I set out on a Quest to develop a system to make Simplify Nursing School!
What Happened Next Might Surprise you,
In a systematic way to put all the "core competencies" of nursing school that instructors look for to pass students. My quest was to make it SIMPLE first and foremost, by cutting out the fluff and getting down to the nitty critty making it easier.
The Goal Was To Make A Simple System...
And the best part is it was really helping myself and other students in my class pass their tests when I would share with them my strategies and systems to help them pass their tests without having to memorize everything in the book!
This is where my mentoring for student nurses began.
That's when something clicked and everything changed for me.
It was like I had an Ah - HA moment!
At that moment I realized there are better, more predictable, and more low cost ways to get higher test scores and have more critical thinking skills than the money I had been spending on dead end study books that claimed to help but really just confuse me more.
I needed simplicity!!!
Within the next six months I had created over 27 different student help systems, strategies and tactics that produced better results for me - some better than others.
Then over the next few semesters I tracked, tested, and tweaked each system until my students were passing with a 82% or better on each and every test, 2 students being out of School for over 25 years & coming back to score 94% on their EKG cardiac test! Truly amazing & truly making me proud to be their mentor.
1.1. Acyclovir
(Zovirax)
Class: Antiviral
Actions: reduces viral shedding and formation of new lesions and speeds healing time. Peak: 1.5-2hr. Half-life: 2.5-5hr.
Indications: (IV treatment) viral encephalitis, herpes simplex, varicella-zoster virus (shingles/chickpox); (orally) herpes simplex, varicella-zoster virus; (topically) herpes labialis (cold sores) and initial episodes of herpes gentitalis
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 400mg bid Max: 800mg/day
Side Effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Nursing Considerations: Monitor I&O & hydration status. Lab tests: baseline and periodic renal function tests
1.2. Amantadine HCl
(Symmetrel)
Class: Antiviral; Central-Acting Cholinergic Receptor Antagonist; Antiparkinson
Actions: Because Amantadine does not suppress antibody formation, it can be administered for interim protection in combination w/ influenza. Onset: w/in 48hrs. Peak: 1-4hrs
Indications: Influenza A Treatment; Influenza A Preventative; Parkinsonism; Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 100mg 1-2times/day
Side Effects: dizziness, light-headedness, difficulty in concentrating, insomnia, leukopenia
Nursing Considerations: Lab tests: pH and serum electrolytes; monitor and report mental status changes, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, or insomnia, loss of seizure control, S&S of toxicity, especially in doses over 200mg/day
1.6. Temazepam
(Restoril)
Class: Benzodiazepine, Anxiolytic, Sedative-Hypnotic
Actions: reduces night awakenings and early morning awakenings; increases total sleep times, absence of rebound effects. Onset: 30-50 min. Peak: 2-3hr. Duration: 10-12hr. Half-life: 8-24hr
Indications: to relieve insomnia
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 7.5-30mg at bedtime Max: 30mg/night
Side Effects: drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy
Nursing Considerations: hypersensitivity, Lab tests: LFTs and kidney function tests during long-term use, be aware of S&S of overdose: weakness, confusion, slurred speech, ataxia, coma w/ reduced or absent reflexes, hypertension and respiratory depression
1.7. Furosemide
(Lasix)
Class: Loop diruetic
Actions: Inhibits NA & Cl reabsorption, ↑ urine, ↓ edema & intravascular volume. Onset: PO 30-60min. IV 5 min Peak: PO 60-70min IV 20-60min. Duration: 2hr.
Indications: promote urine output & decrease edema associated w/ CHF, cirrhosis of liver & kidney disease, decrease CHF, decrease hypertension
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: (Edema) PO: 20-80 mg in 1 or more divided doses Max: 600 mg/day (Hypertension) PO: 10-40 mg/kg bid Max: 480 mg/day
Side Effects: Circulatory collapse, hypokalemia, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis (rare)
Nursing Considerations: check K+ levels prior to adm., monitor I&O closely, rapid acting doses to prevent sleep disturbance, Potassium rich foods: bananas, oranges, dried dates, etc., CBC, serum and urine electrolytes, CO2 BUN, Blood Sugar, Uric Acid, Urine and Blood Glucose, HbA1C in diabetic patients w/ decompensated hepatic cirrhosis, may cause hyperglycemia
1.8. Hydrochlorothiazide
(Microzide, Oretic)
Class: Electrolytic and Water Balance; Thiazide Diuretic
Actions: Therapeutic effectiveness is measured by decrease in edema and lowering of blood pressure. Onset: 2hr. Peak: 4hr. Duration: 6-12hr. Half-life: 45-120min.
Indications: adjunct treatment of edema associated with CHF, hepatic cirrhosis, renal failure, and in the management of hypertension
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 25-100mg/day in 1-3 divided doses Max: 200mg/day
Side Effects: Hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia
Nursing Considerations: Check BP, monitor I&O and check for edema, Lab tests: baseline and periodic determinations of serum electrolytes, blood counts, BUN, blood glucose, uric acid, CO2, are recommended.
1.9. Spironolactone
(Aldactone)
Class: Electrolytic and water balance; Aldosterone Antagonist; Potassium-Sparing Diuretic
Actions: A diuretic agent that promotes sodium and chloride excretion w/o concomitant loss of potassium. Lowers systolic and diastolic pressures in hypertensive patients. Effective in treatment of primary aldosteronism. Onset: gradual Peak: 2-3days; Max effect may take up to 2 weeks Duration: 2-3 days or longer
Indications: Edema due to CHF, Hypertension, Primary Aldosteronism, Hypokalemia
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 25-400mg/day in divided doses Max: 400mg/day
Side Effects: fluid and electrolyte imbalance, nausea, vomiting
Nursing Considerations: check BP, lab tests: monitor serum electrolytes (Na and K), assess for signs and symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance, monitor daily I&O and check for edema
1.13. Lamotrigine
(Lamictal)
Class: Anticonvulsant
Actions: may act by inhibiting the release of glutamate and aspartate, excitatory neurotransmitters at voltage-sensitive sodium channels, resulting in decreased seizure activity in the brain. Onset: 12wks. Peak: 1-4hr.
Indications: Seizures; Bipolar disorder
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO start w/ 25mg daily for 2 wks, then 50mg daily for 2 wks, then 100mg daily for 1 wk, then 200mg daily (low and slow)
Side Effects: dizziness, ataxia, somnolence, headache, nausea, diplopia, blurred vision, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, rhinitis
Nursing Considerations: do not take med if skin rash develops, monitor pts. w/ bipolar disorder for worsening of their symptoms and suicidal ideation, use protection from sunlight or ultraviolet light until tolerance is known
1.14. Levetiracetam
(Keppra)
Class: Anticonvulsant
Actions: The precise mechanism of antiepileptic effects is unknown. Peak: 1hr.
Indications: Partial onset Seizures; Tonic Clonic Seizures; Myoclonic Seizures
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO/IV 500mg bid may increase by 500mg bid q2wks. Max: 3,000mg/day or 1,000 mg/day ER tablet
Side Effects: Asthenia, headache, infection, somnolence, suicidal ideation
Nursing Considerations: Lab tests: periodic CBC w/ diff, Hct, and Hgb, LFTs; monitor individuals w/ a history of psychosis or depression for S&S of suicidal tendencies, suicidal ideation, and suicidality
1.15. Oxcarbazepine
(Trileptal)
Class: Anticonvulsant
Actions: Anticonvulsant properties may result from blockage of voltage-sensitive sodium channels, which results in stabilization of hyper-excited neural membranes. Peak: steady-state level reached in 2-3 days
Indications: Partial Seizures
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO start w/ 300mg bid and increase by 600mg/day qwk. To 2,400mg/day in 2 divided doses for monotherapy or 1,22mg/day as adjunctive therapy
Side Effects: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, somnolence, ataxia, nystagmus, abnormal gait, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, diplopia, vertigo, abnormal vision
Nursing Considerations: Monitor for & report S&S of hyponatremia or CNS impairment; monitor phenytoin levels; Lab tests: periodic serum sodium, T4 level; monitor plasma level
1.16. Phenobarbital
(Solfoton)
Class: Anticonvulsant; Sedative-Hypnotic; Barbiturate
Actions: have anticonvulsant properties. Sedative and hypnotic effects appear to be due primarily to interference w/ impulse transmission of cerebral cortex by inhibition of reticular activating system. Limiting the spread of seizure activity results by increasing the threshold of motor cortex stimulation. Peak: PO 8- 12 hr, IV 30 min Duration: IV 4-6 hr
Indications: Anticonvulsant, Status Epilepticus, Sedative/Hypmotic
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO/IV 1-3 mg/kg/day in divided doses
Side Effects: Somnolence, nightmares, insomnia, “hangover”, headache, anxiety
Nursing Considerations: Observe patients receiving large doses for at least 30 min to ensure that sedation is not excessive, keep under observation, check IV site frequently, monitor serum drug levels- greater than 50 mcg/mL may cause coma, expect restlessness
1.17. Phenytoin
(Dilantin)
Class: Anticonvulsant; Hydantoin
Actions: Anticonvulsant action elevates the seizure threshold and/or limits the spread of seizure discharge. Accompanied by reduced voltage, frequency, and spread of electrical discharges w/in the motor cortex. Peak: Prompt Release: 1.5-3 hr Sustained Release: 4-12 hr
Indications: To control tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, psychomotor and nonepileptic seizures (ex: Reye’s syndrome). Used to prevent or treat seizures occurring during or after neurosurgery. Not effective for absence seizures.
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 15-20 mg/kg loading dose than 300 mg/day in 1-3 divided doses, may be gradually increased by 100 mg/week until seizures are controlled IV: 10-15 mg/kg then 300 mg/day in divided doses
Side Effects: drowsiness, gingival hyperplasia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia
Nursing Considerations: Monitor Vital signs, Lab tests: periodic serum phenytoin concent., CBC w/ differential, platelet count, Hct, Hgb, serum glucose, serum calcium, serum magnesium, and LFTs
1.18. Pregabalin
(Lyrica)
Class: Anticonvulsant; Gaba-analog; Analgesic/Miscellaneous; Anxiolytic
Actions: an analog of GABA that increases GABA levels and reduces calcium currents in the calcium channels of neurons. Peak: 1.5hr. Half-life:6hr.
Indications: management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or spinal cord injury, adjunctive therapy for adult patietns w/ partial-onset seizures, management of postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 50-100mg tid Max: 300mg/day
Side Effects: accidental injury, ataxia, dizziness, somnlonce, peripheral edema, weight gain, diplopia, blurry vision
Nursing Considerations: Monitor for and report promptly mental status or behavior changes (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, restlessness, irritability, depression, suicidal thoughts). Monitor for weight gain, peripheral edema and S&S of heart failure. Monitor diabetics for increased incidences of hypoglycemia.
1.21. Multivitamin
(One-A-Day)
Class: Vitamins
Actions: Contain fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and E) and most water-soluble vitamins (B-Complex vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, Vitamin C, Biotin, and Folic Acid). These vitamins are a diverse group of compounds necessary for growth and development. May act as coenzymes or catalysts in numerous metabolic processes. Onset, Peak, Duration: Unknown
Indications: Treatment and prevention of vitamin deficiencies.
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: 1 dose unit (capsule, tablet, dropperful)/day or amount recommended by individual manufacturer
Side Effects: Urine discoloration, allergic reactions to preservatives, additives, or colorants
Nursing Considerations: Asses patient for signs of nutritional deficiency before and throughout therapy.
1.22. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
(Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Class: Nutritional Supplement, Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Actions: is not completely understood. May include inhibition of acetyl-CoA and increased peroxisomal beta-oxidation in the liver.
Indications: Hypertriglyceridemia
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 4 g daily as single or divided doses Max: 4 g/day
Side Effects: Back pain, flu syndrome, unspecified pain
Nursing Considerations: Monitor for S&S of hypersensitivity in those w/ known allergy to fish, Lab tests: baseline and periodic lipid profile
1.23. Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate
(Baycadron, Decadron, Dexamethasone)
Class: Adrenal Corticosteroid; Glucocorticoid
Actions: Long-acting synthetic adrenocorticoid with intense anti-inflammatory activity and minimal mineralocorticoid activity. Onset: Rapid Peak: PO 1-2 hr IM 8 hr Duration: PO 2.75 days IM 6 days Intra lesional Intra-articular 1-3 weeks
Indications: Allergies, Inflammation, Neoplasias, Adrenocorticol Function Abnormalities, Cerebral Edema, Shock
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 0.25-4mg bid to qid IM 8-16mg q1-3weeks IV 0.75-0.9mg/kg/day divided q6-12hr. Max: 16mg/day
Side Effects: Nasal Irritation, edema, hyperglycemia, impaired wound healing, subacapsular cataract, oral candidiasis
Nursing Considerations: take drug exactly as prescribed, report lack ir response to med or malaise, orthostatic hypotension, muscular weakness and pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, hypoglycemic reaction, or mental depression to prescriber, report any changes in appearance and easy bruising
1.24. Fluticasone
(Flonase, Flovent)
Class: Synthetic steroids of glucocorticoid family of drugs
Actions: Fluticasone mimics the naturally-occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol or hydrocortisone. The exact mechanism of action of fluticasone is unknown. Fluticasone has potent anti- inflammatory actions. Onset: 1-3 wk. Peak: 4-8hr.
Indications: Seasonal allergy rhinitis
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: Intranasal 100 mcg (1 inhalation) per nostril 1-2 times daily Max: 4 times daily
Side Effects: transient nasal irritation, burning, sneezing, epitaxis, bloody mucous, nasopharyngeal itching, dryness, crusting, and ulceration, headache, nausea, vomiting
Nursing Considerations: oral and nasal inhalers are not to be used interchangeably, use of oral and nasal inhaler provided by manufacturer should be carefully reviewed with patient
1.25. Triamcinolone Acetonide
(Nasacort HFA)
Class: Adrenal Corticosteroid, Glucocorticoid
Actions: Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drug that is effective in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Onset: PO & IM 24-48hr. Peak: PO 1-2hr. IM 8-10hr. Duration: PO 2.25 days IM 1-6wks.
Indications: Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant agent. Orally inhaled: Bronchial asthma in patient who has responded to conventional inhalation treatment. Does not suppress hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: IM/SQ/Intra-auricle/Intradermal 4-48 mg/day in divided doses Inhaled 2-4 inhalations
Side Effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, confusion, peptic ulcer
Nursing Considerations: notify prescriber if wheezing occurs immediately following a dose, monitor for signs of negative nitrogen balance, lab tests: periodic serum electrolytes and blood glucose
1.29. Morphine Sulfate
(Astramorph PF, Avinza, Depo-Dur, Duromorph)
Class: Analgesic, Narcotic (opiate agonist)
Actions: Controls severe pain, also used as an adjunct to anesthesia. Peak: PO 60min. PR 20-60min. SQ 30-60min. IM 30-60min. IV 20min. Duration: 7hr.
Indications: Pain relief
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 10-30 mg q4hr or 15-30 mg sustained release q8-12hr Max: 180 mg/day IV 2.5-15 mg/70kg q2-4hr or 0.8-10 mg/hr by continuous infusion, may increase PRN to control pain or 5-10 mg given epidurally q24hr IM/SQ 5-20 mg q4hr PRN Max: 120 mg/day PR10-20 mg q4hr PRN Max: 120 mg/day
Side Effects: hypersensitivity, nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention
Nursing Considerations: Baseline respiratory rate, rhythm and depth and size of pupils, respirations 12/min and ↓and miosis are signs of toxicity, assess vital signs at regular intervals, encourage changes in positions, deep breathing, and coughing at regular intervals, Monitor I&O, √ for nausea and orthostatic hypotension
1.30. Oxycontin
Class: Narcotic (opiate agonist); Analgesic
Actions: Semisynthetic derivative of an opium agonist the binds with stereo-specific receptors in various sites of CNS to alter both perception of pain and emotional response to pain. Onset: 10-15 min. Peak: 30- 60 min. Duration: 4-5 hr.
Indications: Moderate to severe pain
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 5-10 mg q6hr (may titrate up to 10-30 mg q4hr PRN) Immediate- release 10 mg q12hr (may titrate up) Max: 180 mg/day
Side Effects: sedation, constipation, light-headedness, dizziness, fainting, hepatotoxicity
Nursing Considerations: Monitor patient’s response closely, especially to sustained-release preparations, Lab tests: monitor LFTs and hematologic status periodically in patients on high dose, evaluate patients continued need
1.31. Naloxone
(Narcan)
Class: Opioid Antagonist
Actions: A potent narcotic antagonist, essentially free of agonistic (morphine-like) properties. Reverses the effects of opiates, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Onset: 2 min Duration: 45 min
Indications: Opiate Overdose
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: IV 0.4-2mg, may repeat q2-3min up to 10mg if necessary Max: 10mg
Side Effects: increased BP, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting
Nursing Considerations: Observe patient closely; duration of action of some narcotics may exceed that of naloxone. Keep prescriber informed
1.32. Naltrexone HCL
(Vivitrol)
Class: Narcotic (opiate Antagonist)
Actions: Weakens or completely and reversibly blocks the subjective effects (the “high”) of IV opioids and analgesics possessing both agonist and antagonist activity. Onset: 15-30min Peak: 1hr. Duration: PO 24- 72hr. IM 4wk.
Indications: Opioid Dependence; Alcohol Dependence
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 25mg followed by another 25mg in 1hr. if no withdrawal response; maintenance regimen of 50-150mg/day is individualized Max: 800mg/day IM 380mg q4wk
Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps/pain, hepatotoxicity, muscle & joint pains, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, headache, nervousness
Nursing Considerations: Lab tests: check LFTs before the treatment is started, at monthly intervals for 6 months, and then periodically as indicated; do not self-medicate w/ OTC drugs; report promptly onset of signs of hepatic toxicity to prescriber
1.36. Acetominophen
(Tylenol)
Class: Nonnarcotic analgesic, Antipyretic
Actions: provides temp. relief for mild to mod. pain, ↓ body temp. in indiv. w/ fever. Peak: 0.5-2 hr. Duration: 3-4 hr.
Indications: Fever Reduction. Temporary relief of mild to moderate pain. Generally as substitute for aspirin when the latter is not tolerated or is contraindicated
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO: 325-650 mg q4h Max: 4 g/day PR: 650 mg q4h Max: 4 g/day
Side Effects: Hepatotoxicity, hepatic coma, acute renal failure
Nursing Considerations: Hepatotoxicity, even w/ mod. acetaminophen doses, especially in individuals with poor nutrition or who have ingested alcohol (3+ drinks daily) over prolonged periods; poisoning, usually from accidental ingestion or suicide attempts; potential abuse from psychological depend., do not take other meds containing acetaminophen, do not self-medicate adults for pain more than 10 days w/o consulting a doctor, do not use this med w/o medical direction for: fever persisting longer than 3 days, fever over 103, or recurrent fever
1.37. Acetaminophen Suppository
(Tylenol Suppository)
Class: Antipyretic, Non-opioid Analgesic
Actions: Analgesic; Antipyresis. Peak: 0.5-2hrs. Duration: 3-4hrs.
Indications: Mild pain, fever
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PR 325-650mg q4-6hr. or 1gram 3xday
Side Effects: Hepatic failure, renal failure, neutropenia, rash urticaria
Nursing Considerations: Polypharmacy, renal-liver function, pain level, toxicity
1.38. Aspirin
(ASA)
Class: Non-narcotic, Antiplatelet, Antipyretic
Actions: inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins involved in the production of inflammation, pain and fever, powerfully inhibits platelet aggregation. High serum salicylate concentrations can impair hepatic synthesis of blood coagulation factors VII, IX, X. Peak: 15min-2hr.
Indications: Anti-inflammatory action, pain, fever reducer, antiplatelet
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO: 350-650 mg q4h Max: 4 g/day
Side Effects: Bronchospasm, anaphylactic shock (laryngeal edema), nausea, heartburn, stomach pains, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia
Nursing Considerations: Allergy to any ASA, monitor for salicylate toxicity. In adults, a sensation of fullness in the ears, tinnitus, and decreased or muffled hearing are the most frequent symptoms.
1.39. Oxybutynin Cl
(Anutrol, Ditropan, Gelnique, Oxytrol)
Class: Anticholinergic; Antimuscaring; GU Antispasmodic
Actions: Synthetic tertiary amine that exerts direct antispasmodic action and inhibits muscarinic effects of acetylcholine on smooth muscle of the urinary muscle. Onset: 0.5-1hr. Peak: 3-6hrs. Duration: 6-10hrs.
Indications: Overactive Bladder
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO 5mg 2-4x/day Max: 20mg/day
Side Effects: drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, pruritus at application site (topical)
Nursing Considerations: periodic interruptions of therapy are recommended to determine pt.’s need for continued treatment, tolerance has occurred in some pt.’s;; keep prescriber informed of expected responses to drug therapy (e.g., effect on urinary frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, nocturia, completeness of bladder emptying)
1.40. Glycopyrrolate
(Robinul, Robinul Forte)
Class: Anticholinergic, Antimuscarinic, Antipasmodic
Actions: Inhibits motility of GI and genitourinary tract, it also decreases volume of gastric and pancreatic secretions, saliva, and perspiration. Onset: PO: 1 hr., IV: 1 min., IM/SQ: 15-30 min Peak: PO: 1 hr., IM/SQ: 30-45 min. Duration: PO: 8/12 hr., IM/SQ: 2-7 hr.
Indications: Adjunctive management of peptic ulcer and other GI disorders associated with hyperacidity
Norm. Dosage, Freq, Route, Range: PO: 1 mg tid or 2 mg bid or tid in equally divided intervals Max; 8 mg/day
Side Effects: Decreased sweating, Xerostomia, Urinary hesitancy or retention
Nursing Considerations: Monitor I&O ratio and pattern particularly in older adults, Monitor vital signs, especially when drug is given parenterally. Report any changes in heart rate and rhythym.