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Generic: alendronate Class: bisphosphonate Used for osteoporosis (menopause, glucocorticoid use, Paget’s disease) Taken once a day or once a week Given for only 3 to 5 years Start seeing changes after 1 month Side Effects Adverse Effects Tips Contraindications PregnancyBreastfeedingEsophageal disordersHypocalcemiaThose who can’t sit up for 30 min
Works on the central nervous system. Used to treat manic episodes and for bipolar disorder maintenance.Lithium causes serotonin receptor blockageCan decrease neuronal atrophy or increase neural growthInfluences the flow of sodium throughout the body (sodium affects mania)Pregnancy Category: D InteractionsAntidepressantsAntipsychoticsMAOIsDiureticsNSAIDsAnticholinergicsFentanylSt. John’s WortTramadol Signs & Symptoms Loss of appetiteIncreased urination/issues with visionThirst/tremorsHypothyroidismInteractionsUpset stomach (N/V, diarrhea)Muscle weaknessSkin … Continue reading Lithium
Crystalloids Isotonic IV Solution *Osmolality closest to ECF * Ideal for patients who have fluid volume deficit 0.9% Sodium Chloride Aka Normal Saline Water, salt and chloride ● Only Fluid used with Blood Administration ● Used in flushes● Good for vomiting, GI and wound drainage● DO NOT use in people with CHF, Pulmonary Edema, renal impairment, and sodium retention … Continue reading Isotonic, hypotonic & hypertonic fluids
Heparin Vs. Warfarin Anticoagulants, their job is to slow down and the clotting process not to break up already formed clots Warfarin How it works Antagonize vitamin K which prevents the synthesis of 4 coagulation factors VII, IX, X and prothrombin Uses Treatment of venous thrombosis Treatment of venous thrombosis in people with A fib … Continue reading Heparin v. Warfarin
Category A No demonstrated risk to fetus in any trimester Category B No adverse effects in animals, no human studies available Category C Only prescribed after risk to fetus is considered Category D Definite fetal risks Category X Absolute fetal anomalies
Loop Diuretics *Block sodium and chloride to prevent water reabsorption *Work in the ascending Loop of Henle *Causes extensive diuresis Adverse Effects DehydrationHyponatremiaHypochloremiaHPTNOtotoxicityHypokalemiaDecreased calcium and magnesium Nursing Interventions Monitor lab values especially electrolytes Vital signs especially BPI &OEducate about increasing potassium in diet Monitor blood sugar levelsAssess for weight loss, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, skin turgor, … Continue reading Diuretics
Beta selective adrenergic agonists Albuterol Routes: Inhaled (short acting), or Oral (long acting) Salmeterol Route: Inhaled (long acting) They selectively activating the beta2 receptors in the lungs. This relieves bronchospasms, inhibits histamine and increased ciliary motility. Albuterol-short acting, acute asthma attacks Salmeterol-long acting for prevention of asthma attacks Salmeterol is used every 12 hours. These aren’t … Continue reading Bronchodilators
RhoGAM [Rho(D) Immune Globulin (Human)] (300 μg), used to prevent Rh immunization, a condition in which an individual with Rh-negative blood develops antibodies after exposure to Rh-positive blood. Therapeutic Effects: Prevents antibody response and erythroblastosis fetalis in future pregnancies of women who have conceived an Rh(D)-positive fetus. Rh immune globulin is compose of IgG antibodies … Continue reading RhoGAM
*CNS depressant*Decreases the amount of acetylcholine which decreases neuromuscular transmission Therapeutic level 4.8-9.6 mg/dL Toxicity Blood Pressure will be low Urine output will be low Respirations will be low Patellar reflex absent Antidote Calcium Gluconate Interventions Monitor Vital Signs (RR & BP)Draw Magnesium levels per order Monitor FHRHead to Toe Assessment (DTR, LOC) Usually on … Continue reading Magnesium Sulfate
A glucocorticoid To enhance fetal lung maturity and surfactant production Betamethasone causes the release of surfactant Decreased severity of respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and death Used for premature infants A single dose cuts the death rate of such babies by up to 40% First dose of antenatal corticosteroids should be administered even … Continue reading Betamethasone