Understanding and safely administering medications is a core part of nursing practice. With countless drugs used in healthcare, it’s essential for nurses to focus on the Common Medications Nurses Need to Know
1. Analgesics (Pain Relievers)
Nurses need to know about the types of analgesics that they would administer to the patients as they are the medicines that will take away the pain. Although acetaminophen is commonly given for mild to moderate pain and fever. Its use as first-line treatment should be with increased awareness of the importance of monitoring liver function, particularly with long-term use or in the administration of high-dosage acetaminophen regimens. Iv) Ibuprofen (as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain and inflammation; can lead to gut disturbance, nausea or diarrhea; may affect renal function; nurses to observe and ensure no bleeding tendency or renal impairment). Morphine is a strong opioid, and it is for moderate to severe pain.
Patients on Oxycodone should be observed for respiratory depression, sedation, and a potential for dependence. For all types of analgesics, key nursing considerations include accuracy in calculating dosages. Assessment of pain level both prior to administration and after administration, and monitoring for adverse effects or contraindications.
2. Antibiotics
Nurses play a critical role in safe administration of antibiotics which are essential in treating bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is a common penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat various infections, but nurses should be aware of signs of allergy such as rash, or anaphylaxis. Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is appropriate for more severe infections; however, these agents are associated with side effects, including tendonitis/pain and photosensitivity, which necessitates education and focused monitoring. Vancomycin is used for resistant infection (i.e. MRSA), and nurses must note for “Red Man Syndrome” up to IV infusion and monitor renal function. Patients must be educated on completing the full course of antibiotics in order to prevent resistance and achieve infection resolution, and on monitoring for allergic reactions during treatment.
3. Antihypertensives (Blood Pressure Medications)
Antihypertensives are critical for the treatment of high blood pressure and for lowering risk for stroke and heart disease. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, like leysinopril, relax blood vessels but can cause dry cough or hyperkalemia, prompting nurses to check potassium levels and renal function. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, works by relaxing the walls of blood vessels and is often well tolerated, although it may cause swelling of the ankles. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that decreases the heart rate and blood pressure, but nurses should watch for bradycardia and fatigue. For all antihypertensives, nurses must regularly monitor blood pressure, monitor for signs of hypotension (like dizziness), and educate patients on adherence to the medication and lifestyle modifications.
4. Antidiabetics
Antidiabetics are used to lower the blood glucose levels in the patients with diabetes. Blood sugar monitoring is essential with insulin (which comes in rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate and long-acting forms) as this therapy is time- and dose-sensitive. Patients may need to be monitored for signs of both hypoglycemia (shakiness, confusion, sweating) and hyperglycemia (increased thirst, frequent urination). Metformin, a type of oral antidiabetic, is used mainly for type 2 diabetes. As it lowers the glucose production in the liver. Although generally well-tolerated, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and, rarely, lactic acidosis — so its dosing must be monitored according to kidney function. In sum, nurses influence their patients by instructing them in how to provide dietary adherence and regular blood glucose monitoring.
5. Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
Anticoagulants are drugs that keep the blood from clotting and are widely prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis and others, as well as after surgery. INR monitoring are part of the therapy for warfarin, an antithrombotic drug administered orally. It has a lot of food and drug interactions, so patient education is important. Heparin is typically administered intravenously or subcutaneously in the hospital. And has a rapid action, but also requires aPTT-level monitoring with adjustment of doses. Enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, is administered subcutaneously and usually does not need to be monitored in the lab on a regular basis, but nurses still have to monitor for signs of bleeding like bruising, bloody stool, or nosebleeds. Nurses should also assess patients carefully and report any unusual bleeding and also make sure dosing and injection technique is correct.
6. Psychotropic Medications
Psychotropic meds are meds that affect mood. Behavior and mental function and are one of the main ways we manage mental health conditions. Sertraline, a widely prescribed SSRI antidepressant, is well tolerated but can cause side effects including nausea, insomnia or sexual dysfunction. Nurses should monitor patients for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment. Lorazepam is an anxiolytic from the benzodiazepine class, used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but which can cause sedation and dependence. So nurses must monitor for drowsiness and respiratory depression, especially in older adults. An antipsychotic called haloperidol is prescribed for conditions including schizophrenia and can cause side effects including extrapyramidal symptoms or agitation. Nurses should assess continually for mood changes, monitor efficacy, and educate on adherence.
7. Gastrointestinal Medications
Gastrointestinal (GI) medications treat acute symptoms seen commonly in hospitalized patients, such as acid reflux, nausea and constipation. Omeprazole — a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) — reduces stomach acid and is commonly used for GERD and ulcers. They can also impact chronic use of calcium absorption. So nurses should keep an eye out for potential effects on bone health in any patients at risk. Ondansetron is an antiemetic used widely to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting caused especially by surgery or chemotherapy. It is typically well-tolerated and can cause headache or constipation. Laxatives, including docusate sodium, are stool softeners that help facilitate bowel movements, especially for patients on opioids or after surgery. Adequate hydration is essential for proper gastrointestinal (GI) function. So it is important for nurses to assess bowel movements and monitor for signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
Emergency Medications
Life threatening situations – emergency medications need to be administered in a timely and accurate manner. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, quickly shrinks allergic swelling and improves breathing — nurses need to know the appropriate high-dose and route, usually intramuscular through an auto-injector. Naloxone opioid antagonist; reverses the effects of opioid overdose; commonly given intranasally or via injection; pts.will wake up fast and maybe agitated, nurses need to be ready. What is atropine used for? Atropine is administered to patients in critical care, during code situations, to raise slowed heart rate or bradycardia. Their use requires critical knowledge for timely action: Nurses must act quickly. Monitor the patient’s course continuously, and be familiar with protocols for saving a life in emergencies.
Read more: Medications that Needs to be Refrigerated Common Uses
Conclusion
Having a strong foundation in Common Medications Nurses Need to Know
