Pharmacology for Nurses – High-Yield Study Guide (2024 Edition)
---
1. Cardiac Medications
ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Lisinopril)
Action: Blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
Use: Treats hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Side Effects: Cough, hyperkalemia, hypotension.
Nursing Considerations: Monitor blood pressure, renal function, and potassium levels.
NCLEX Tip: Be aware of the first-dose effect, which can cause a sudden drop in blood
pressure.
Beta-Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol)
Action: Blocks beta receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
Use: Hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and post-MI care.
Side Effects: Bradycardia, fatigue, hypotension, dizziness.
Nursing Considerations: Monitor heart rate (hold if <60 bpm), assess for signs of
hypotension.
NCLEX Tip: Don’t abruptly stop beta-blockers, as this can cause rebound hypertension.
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
Action: Increases urine production to reduce fluid overload.
Use: Heart failure, hypertension, edema.
Side Effects: Hypokalemia, dehydration, hypotension.
Nursing Considerations: Monitor electrolytes, blood pressure, and weight.
NCLEX Tip: Teach patients to weigh themselves daily and report weight gain.
, ---
2. Central Nervous System Medications
Antidepressants (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
Action: Increases serotonin levels in the brain.
Use: Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders.
Side Effects: Sexual dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia.
Nursing Considerations: Assess mood and suicidal thoughts, monitor for serotonin
syndrome.
NCLEX Tip: Do not stop abruptly; withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, Valproate)
Action: Suppresses abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Use: Epilepsy, seizures.
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia.
Nursing Considerations: Monitor for therapeutic levels, assess for signs of toxicity (e.g.,
nystagmus, confusion).
NCLEX Tip: Teach patients to never skip doses, as it can precipitate seizures.
---
3. Respiratory Medications
Bronchodilators (e.g., Albuterol, Salmeterol)
Action: Relaxes bronchial muscles to open airways.
Use: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Side Effects: Tachycardia, tremors, anxiety.
---
1. Cardiac Medications
ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Lisinopril)
Action: Blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
Use: Treats hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Side Effects: Cough, hyperkalemia, hypotension.
Nursing Considerations: Monitor blood pressure, renal function, and potassium levels.
NCLEX Tip: Be aware of the first-dose effect, which can cause a sudden drop in blood
pressure.
Beta-Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol)
Action: Blocks beta receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
Use: Hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and post-MI care.
Side Effects: Bradycardia, fatigue, hypotension, dizziness.
Nursing Considerations: Monitor heart rate (hold if <60 bpm), assess for signs of
hypotension.
NCLEX Tip: Don’t abruptly stop beta-blockers, as this can cause rebound hypertension.
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
Action: Increases urine production to reduce fluid overload.
Use: Heart failure, hypertension, edema.
Side Effects: Hypokalemia, dehydration, hypotension.
Nursing Considerations: Monitor electrolytes, blood pressure, and weight.
NCLEX Tip: Teach patients to weigh themselves daily and report weight gain.
, ---
2. Central Nervous System Medications
Antidepressants (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
Action: Increases serotonin levels in the brain.
Use: Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders.
Side Effects: Sexual dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia.
Nursing Considerations: Assess mood and suicidal thoughts, monitor for serotonin
syndrome.
NCLEX Tip: Do not stop abruptly; withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, Valproate)
Action: Suppresses abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Use: Epilepsy, seizures.
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia.
Nursing Considerations: Monitor for therapeutic levels, assess for signs of toxicity (e.g.,
nystagmus, confusion).
NCLEX Tip: Teach patients to never skip doses, as it can precipitate seizures.
---
3. Respiratory Medications
Bronchodilators (e.g., Albuterol, Salmeterol)
Action: Relaxes bronchial muscles to open airways.
Use: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Side Effects: Tachycardia, tremors, anxiety.
