NCLEX-RN Drug Guide: 300 Medications You Need to Know for the Exam
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About this ebook
This pocket-sized review for prospective nurses gives you the focused, key information you need to know about medications commonly seen on the test. Kaplan's NCLEX-RN Drug Guide includes:
- Generic names, brand names, phonetic pronunciations, and drug families for 300 frequently tested medications
- Concise nursing considerations and must-know side effects for each medication
- NEW! Expert guidance for studying drugs effectively
- Pregnancy risk category and controlled substance schedule for every drug
- Common medical abbreviations you'll use on the job
- Abbreviations to avoid when recording medication orders
Terms are grouped by medication category, and each page features two terms with the complete explanations. With Kaplan's NCLEX-RN Drug Guide, you know you are getting the most up-to-date, expert information available to prepare for the exam!
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NCLEX-RN Drug Guide - Kaplan Nursing
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Antihistamines
CETIRIZINE HCL
(se-teer-a-zeen)
(Zyrtec)
Side Effects
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Nursing Considerations
Relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms
Relief of perennial allergic rhinitis caused by molds, animal dander, and other allergens
Avoid alcohol during cetirizine therapy
Call physician immediately for difficulty breathing or swallowing
Notify physician for hydroxyzine (Vistaril) allergy
Rx ; Preg Cat B
CETIRIZINE HCL
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Antihistamines
FEXOFENADINE
(fex-oh-fen-a-deen)
(Allegra)
Side Effects
Drowsiness
Headache
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Pain
Cough
Hives
Rash
Itching
Difficulty breathing
Hoarseness
Swelling
Nursing Considerations
Management of rhinitis, allergy symptoms, chronic idiopathic urticaria
Avoid alcohol, CNS depressants
60 mg tablet: onset within 1 hour, peak 2–3 hours, duration about 12 hours
180 mg tablet: duration 24 hours
Notify physician if taking erythromycin or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
If taking aluminum magnesium antacid, take antacid a few hours before or after fexofenadine
Rx ; Preg Cat C
FEXOFENADINE
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Antihistamines
HYDROXYZINE
(hye-drox-i-zeen)
(Atarax, Vistaril)
SIDE EFFECTS
Drowsiness
Dry mouth, nose, and throat
Dizziness
Headache
Chest congestion
Reddening of skin
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Treatment of pruritus, pre-op anxiety, post-op nausea and vomiting, to potentiate opioid analgesics, sedation
PO: onset 15–30 minutes, duration 4–6 hours
Avoid use with alcohol, CNS depressants
Teach patient that dizziness/drowsiness may occur; use caution in potentially hazardous activities
Treatment of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Notify physician of diagnosis of glaucoma, ulcers, enlarged prostate gland, liver disease, hypertension, seizures, or hyperthyroidism
Observe for difficulty breathing
Muscle weakness
Increased anxiety
Rx ; Preg Cat C
HYDROXYZINE
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Antihistamines
LORATADINE
(lor-a-ti-deen)
(Alavert, Claritin)
SIDE EFFECTS
Headache
Dry mouth
Epistaxis (nosebleed)
Sore throat
Diarrhea
Rash
Nervousness
Weakness
Stomach pain
Wheezing
Dysphagia
Dyspnea
Hives
Swelling of face or extremities
Hoarseness
Mouth sores
Insomnia
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Management of seasonal rhinitis
Avoid alcohol, CNS depressants
Take on empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
Onset 1–3 hours, peak 8–12 hours, duration ≥ 24 hours
OTC, Rx ; Preg Cat B
LORATADINE
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Corticosteroids
BECLOMETHASONE
(be-kloe-meth-a-sone)
(Beclovent, Beconase)
SIDE EFFECTS
Dysphonia
Hoarseness
Oropharyngeal fungal infections
Headache
Sore throat
Dyspepsia
Unpleasant taste and smell
Rhinitis
Nausea
Cough
Angioedema
Back pain
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Used in chronic asthma treatment, seasonal or perennial rhinitis
Prevention of recurrence of nasal polyps after surgical removal
Nasal spray: onset 5–7 days (up to 3 weeks in some patients), peak up to 3 weeks
Inhaler: onset 10 minutes
Use regular peak flow monitoring to determine respiratory status
Rx ; Preg Cat C
BECLOMETHASONE
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Corticosteroids
FLUNISOLIDE
(floo-niss-oh-lide)
(Aerobid, Nasalide)
SIDE EFFECTS
Dysphonia
Hoarseness
Oropharyngeal fungal infections
Headache
Sore throat
Nasal congestion, cold symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Unpleasant taste, upset stomach
Epistaxis (nosebleed)
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Used in chronic asthma treatment, seasonal or perennial rhinitis
Onset: few days
Use regular peak flow monitoring to determine respiratory status
Rx ; Preg Cat C
FLUNISOLIDE
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Corticosteroids
FLUTICASONE
(floo-tik-a-sone)
(Flonase)
SIDE EFFECTS
Dysphonia
Hoarseness
Oropharyngeal fungal infections
Headache
Sore throat
Nasal congestion, cold symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Unpleasant taste, upset stomach
Epistaxis (nosebleed), nasal irritation
Hives
Dyspnea
Dysphagia
Angioedema
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Used in chronic asthma treatment, seasonal or perennial rhinitis
Nasal spray: onset within 2 days, peak 1–2 weeks
Use regular peak flow monitoring to determine respiratory status
Rx ; Preg Cat C
FLUTICASONE
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Corticosteroids
FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE SALMETEROL
(floo-tik-a-sone proe-pee-oh-nate sal-meh-te-role)
(Advair Diskus)
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Headache
Dysphonia, hoarseness
Throat irritation, cough
Oropharyngeal fungal infections
Muscle and bone pain
Viral respiratory infections, bronchitis
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Used when asthma is not well controlled with long-term inhaled corticosteroids; COPD
Oral inhalation; rinse mouth with water after inhalation
Twice-daily dosage, 12 hours apart; used long term
Use regular peak flow monitoring to determine respiratory status
Monitor growth of pediatric patient
Monitor for glaucoma and cataracts
May decrease bone mineral density
Monitor for eosinophilic conditions, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia
May increase risk of pneumonia in patients with COPD
May cause worsening of infections
Check oral cavity for Candida albicans
Rx ; Preg Cat C
FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE SALMETEROL
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Corticosteroids
MOMETASONE
(moe-met-a-sone)
(Nasonex Spray)
SIDE EFFECTS
Dysphonia
Hoarseness
Oropharyngeal fungal infections
Headache
Sore throat
Nasal congestion, cold symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Unpleasant taste, upset stomach
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Used in chronic asthma treatment, seasonal or perennial rhinitis
Nasal spray: onset few days, peak up to 3 weeks
Use regular peak flow monitoring to determine respiratory status
Rx ; Preg Cat C
MOMETASONE
Allergy and Asthma Medications
Corticosteroids
TRIAMCINOLONE
(try-am-sin-oh-lone)
(Nasacort AQ Spray)
SIDE EFFECTS
Dysphonia; hoarseness
Oropharyngeal fungal infections
Headache
Sore throat
Nasal congestion, cold symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Unpleasant taste, upset stomach
Epistaxis (nosebleed)
Flu syndrome
Increased cough
Bronchitis
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Used in chronic asthma treatment, seasonal or perennial rhinitis
Nasal spray: onset few days, peak 3–4 days
PO/IM: peak 1–2 hours
Use regular peak flow monitoring to determine respiratory status
Rx ; Preg Cat C
TRIAMCINOLONE
Analgesics
Analgesics
Nonopioid Analgesics
ACETAMINOPHEN
(a-seet-a-min-a-fen)
(Tylenol)
SIDE EFFECTS
Anemia (long-term use)
Liver and kidney failure
Dyspnea (prolonged high doses)
Angioedema
Hives, itching
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Treatment of mild pain or fever
PO: onset less than 1 hour, peak 30 minutes to 2 hours, duration 4–6 hours
Rectal: onset slow, peak 1–2 hours, duration 3–4 hours
Take crushed or whole with full glass of water
Can give with food or milk to decrease GI upset
Signs of chronic poisoning: rapid, weak pulse; dyspnea; cold, clammy extremities
Signs of chronic overdose: bleeding, bruising, malaise, fever, sore throat, anorexia, jaundice
OTC ; Preg Cat B
ACETAMINOPHEN
Analgesics
Nonopiod Analgesics
Acetaminophen/Aspirin/Caffeine
(a-seet-a-min-a-fen/ as-pir-in/kaf-een )
(Excedrin)
SIDE EFFECTS
Upset stomach, heartburn
Depressed mood, anxious or restless feelings
Insomnia
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Management of mild to moderate pain or fever
Do not give to children or teenagers with fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox; Reye syndrome may develop
Watch out for symptoms of stomach bleeding or liver problems
ACETAMINOPHEN/ASPIRIN/CAFFEINE
Analgesics
Nonopioid Analgesics
ASPIRIN
(as-pir-in)
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting
Rash
Angioedema
Dyspnea
Melena
Tinnitus
GI bleeding
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Management of mild to moderate pain or fever, transient ischemic attacks, prophylaxis of MI, ischemic stroke, angina
PO: onset 15–30 minutes, peak 1–2 hours, duration 4–6 hours
Rectal: onset slow, 20%–60% absorbed if retained 2–4 hours
With long-term use, check for liver damage: dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of skin and sclera, itching, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea
For arthritis, give 30 minutes before exercise; may take 2 weeks before full effect is felt
Discard tablets if vinegar-like smell
Do not give to children or teens with flulike symptoms or chickenpox; Reye syndrome may develop
OTC ; Preg Cat C
ASPIRIN
Analgesics
Nonopioid Analgesics
CELECOXIB
(sel-eh-cox-ib)
(Celebrex)
SIDE EFFECTS
Fatigue
Anxiety, depression, nervousness
Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dry mouth, constipation
Angioedema
Hives
Dyspnea
Back pain
Tachycardia
Jaundice
Dysuria
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Management of acute, chronic arthritis pain and primary dysmenorrheal pain relief within 60 minutes
Onset: 24–48 hours, duration 12–24 hours
Can take without regard to meals
Increasing doses do not appear to increase effectiveness
Do not take if allergic to sulfonamides, aspirin, or NSAIDs
Rx ; Preg Cat C for first and second trimester ; Preg Cat D for third trimester
CELECOXIB
Analgesics
Nonopioid Analgesics
IBUPROFEN
(eye-byoo-proe-fen)
(Advil, Motrin IB)
SIDE EFFECTS
Headache
Tinnitus
Nausea, anorexia
Dizziness
Blood dyscrasias
Constipation
GI bleeding
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, gout, dental pain, musculoskeletal disorders, fever
Onset: 30 minutes, peak 1–2 hours
Contact clinician if ringing or roaring in ears, which may indicate toxicity
Contact clinician if changes in urinary pattern, increased weight, edema, increased pain in joints, fever, or blood in urine, which may indicate kidney damage
Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity
Avoid use with ASA, NSAIDs, and alcohol, which may precipitate GI bleeding
Avoid use with anticoagulants
May have an increased risk of MI or stroke
OTC, Rx ; Preg Cat B
IBUPROFEN
Analgesics
Nonopioid Analgesics
NAPROXEN
(na-prox-en)
(Aleve [OTC], Naprosyn)
SIDE EFFECTS
GI bleeding
Blood dyscrasias
Tinnitus
Headache
Insomnia
Vision changes
Rash
Angioedema
Jaundice
Tachycardia
Back pain
Nausea
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Management of mild to moderate pain
Treatment of rheumatoid, juvenile, and gouty arthritis; osteoarthritis; primary dysmenorrhea
Patients with asthma, ASA hypersensitivity, or nasal polyps have increased risk of hypersensitivity
Contact clinician if blurred vision or ringing or roaring in ears, which may indicate toxicity
Contact clinician if black stools, flulike symptoms
Contact clinician if changes in urinary pattern, increased weight, edema, increased pain in joints, fever, or blood in urine, which may indicate kidney damage
Avoid use with ASA, steroids, and alcohol
May increase risk of MI or stroke
OTC, Rx ; Preg Cat B
NAPROXEN
Analgesics
Opioid Analgesics
CODEINE
(koe-deen)
SIDE EFFECTS
Drowsiness, sedation
Nausea, vomiting, anorexia
Respiratory depression
Constipation
Orthostatic hypotension
Dysuria
Hives
Dyspnea
Syncope
Angioedema
Seizures
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Treatment of moderate to severe pain, nonproductive cough
PO: onset 30–45 minutes, peak 60–120 minutes, duration 4–6 hours
IM/subQ: onset 10–30 minutes, peak 30–60 minutes, duration 4–6 hours
Do not give if respirations are less than 12 per minute
Avoid use with alcohol, CNS depressants
Withdrawal symptoms may occur: nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever, faintness, anorexia
Physical dependency may result from long-term use
Rx C-II, III, IV, V (depends on route) ; Preg Cat C
CODEINE
Analgesics
Opioid Analgesics
HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE/ ACETAMINOPHEN
(hye-droe-koe-doan)
(Lortab, Vicodin)
SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness