NCLEX 75 Must-Know Medications 2025 – Essential Drug Guide with Indications, Side Effects, Nursing Considerations & Priority Alerts | High-Yield NCLEX-RN/PN Pharmacology Review with Flashcards & Rationales

NCLEX 75 MUST-KNOW MEDICATIONS
2025 - 2026



NCLEX 75 Must-Know Medications 2025 –
Essential Drug Guide with Indications, Side
Effects, Nursing Considerations & Priority Alerts |
High-Yield NCLEX-RN/PN Pharmacology Review
with Flashcards & Rationales

,NCLEX 75 MUST KNOW MEDS

Hydromorphone

Suffix: -morphine

Organs it Relates to: Nervous system (analgesic)

Rationale: Opioid analgesic used for pain relief.

Three Main Side Effects:

Respiratory depression

Constipation
Sedation

Nursing Considerations:

Monitor respiratory rate.

Administer with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse.

Patient Education:

Take as prescribed for pain relief.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medication

METFORMIN
Suffix: None

Organs it Relates to: Pancreas (antidiabetic)

Rationale: Antidiabetic agent used for type 2 diabetes.
Three Main Side Effects:

GI upset (nausea, diarrhea)

Risk of lactic acidosis (rare)

Vitamin B12 deficiency
Nursing Considerations:

Monitor blood glucose levels.

Educate patients about dietary changes.
Patient Education:

,Take with food to reduce GI upset.

Report any unusual symptoms to the healthcare provider.

Methylergonovine

Suffix: -ergonovine
Organs it Relates to: Uterus (uterotonic)

Rationale: Uterotonic used to control postpartum bleeding.

Three Main Side Effects:HypertensionNausea/vomitingHeadache

Nursing Considerations:Monitor blood pressure closely.Administer cautiously in patients with
hypertension.
Patient Education:Report any increase in blood pressure or severe headaches.Take as directed
after childbirth.

Gabapentin

Suffix: None

Organs it Relates to: Nervous system (anticonvulsant)

Rationale: Anticonvulsant used for epilepsy and neuropathic pain.

Three Main Side Effects:DizzinessDrowsinessPeripheral edema
Nursing Considerations:Monitor for signs of central nervous system depression.Assess for
changes in mood or behavior.

Patient Education:Avoid activities requiring mental alertness.Take as prescribed to manage
seizures or neuropathic pain.

Nitroglycerin
Suffix: None

Organs it Relates to: Cardiovascular system (vasodilator)

Rationale: Vasodilator used to treat angina.

Three Main Side Effects:HeadacheHypotensionFlushing

Nursing Considerations:Monitor blood pressure and heart rate.Educate on proper storage and
administration.

Patient Education:Use as directed for relief of chest pain.Keep nitroglycerin in a dark, glass
container.

, Oxytocin

Suffix: None

Organs it Relates to: Uterus (uterotonic)

Rationale: Uterotonic used to induce labor and control postpartum bleeding.
Three Main Side Effects:

Uterine hyperstimulation

Hypotension

Nausea/vomiting

Nursing Considerations:Monitor uterine contractions and fetal heart rate.Administer using an
infusion pump.

Patient Education:Discuss the purpose and potential side effects with the patient.Ensure the
patient understands the importance of close monitoring during labor.

Pantoprazole

Suffix: -prazole

Organs it Relates to: Stomach (proton pump inhibitor)

Rationale: Proton pump inhibitor used for GERD and ulcers.
Three Main Side Effects:

Headache

Diarrhea

Risk of C. difficile infection
Nursing Considerations:

Administer before meals.

Monitor for signs of GI bleeding.

Patient Education:
Take on an empty stomach before meals.

Report any unusual symptoms such as severe diarrhea.

Risperidone
Suffix: -idone