Antihypertensives ACTIONS Antihypertensive drugs act on the vascular, cardiac, renal, and sympathetic nervous systems. They also act to lower blood pressure (BP), cardiac output, and peripheral vascular resistance. USES •…

Cephalosporins ACTION Each generation has increasing bactericidal activity to break down gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes, as well as reach the cerebrospinal fluid. Cephalosporins interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis and…

H2-Blockers ACTIONS Histamine H2-antagonists inhibit histamine action on H2-receptors, which are found on the gastric parietal cells. This action reduces the secretion of gastric acid, as well as hydrogen ion…

Heparin ACTION Anticoagulant exerts direct effect on blood coagulation by enhancing the inhibitory actions of antithrombin on several factors essential to normal blood clotting, thereby blocking the conversion of prothrombin…

Medication Administration SIX RIGHTS OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION • Medication • Route • Time • Patient • Dosage • Documentation ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION • Enteral or oral (most common)—ingested into gastrointestinal…

Morphine Sulfate CLASSIFICATION Analgesic, opioid agonist ACTIONS Interacts at a specific receptor-binding site. Agonist activity at the receptor site can result in analgesia, euphoria, depression, hallucinations, miosis, and sedation. Alters…

Oxytocin (Pitocin) CLASSIFICATION Uterine smooth muscle stimulant ACTIONS Contracts uterine and mammary smooth muscle. Increases force, frequency, and duration of uterine contractions. USES • Managing incomplete or inevitable abortion •…

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) ACTIONS SSRIs decrease the reuptake of serotonin at selected nerve terminals in the central nervous system and increase serotonin activity at the nerve synapse. Increased…

Types of Insulin ACTIONS NURSING IMPLICATIONS 1. U100 insulin is the most common concentration. 2. NPH is the only cloudy insulin; roll vial gently between palms to mix. 3. *Draw…

Antihistamines ACTIONS Competitively block the H1-receptor sites and impede histamine-mediated responses. Second-generation antihistamines cause less drowsiness. USES • Prevent and treat seasonal allergies, decrease itching and pruritis. • Are adjunct…