HFHS Inpatient Nursing Pharmacology
Study Guide Flashcards
Right Drug - ANSProper identification of the ordered drug; medication must be checked
against the provider's order.
Right Dose - ANSResponsibility to check dosage, do appropriate calculations or
conversions, and maintain knowledge of safe dosage ranges.
Right Patient - ANSProper identification of the patient by checking first and last name and
medical record number on the identification band with the MAR.
Right Route - ANSCorrect preparation and administration of medication according to the
provider's order.
Right Time - ANSAdministering medications according to scheduled times as written in the
order.
Right Documentation - ANSDocumenting the administration of prescribed medication in the
MAR within the Electronic Health Record.
Drug Information - ANSKnowledge and understanding of each medication before
administration; using resources to obtain information on new drugs.
Patient Information - ANSRecognize key information such as age, weight, clinical status,
drug allergies, and use of other medications that may impact the patient's response.
Verbal Orders - ANSRisks are high; avoid whenever possible and limit to situations where
immediate written or electronic communication is not feasible.
Authorized Staff - ANSOnly certain authorized staff such as RNs, Pharmacists, and
Therapists can receive and record verbal orders.
Elements to Communicate - ANSPatient name, age/weight, drug name, dosage form,
strength, dose, frequency, route, quantity, duration, purpose, and prescriber name.
Spelling and Clarification - ANSConfirm the drug name by spelling it out, providing both
brand and generic names, or stating the indication for use.
Clear Communication - ANSState doses clearly (e.g., "fifty milligrams" for 50 mg); avoid
abbreviations and use clear instructions.
Read-Back Protocol - ANSRead back the entire verbal/telephone order to the prescriber to
ensure accuracy.
, Emergency Situations - ANSVerbal/telephone orders may be necessary in emergencies but
must follow communication guidelines for safety.
Range Orders - ANSSpecify a range for dosage, but not for frequency of administration.
Acceptable Range Orders - ANSOpioids, antitussives, antiemetics, antihypertensives,
antihistamines, and anxiolytics.
Indication and Guidelines - ANSSpecify the indication for administration (e.g., pain, agitation)
and guidelines for dose selection.
Minimum and Maximum Doses - ANSAdminister at the lowest prescribed dose; maximum
should not exceed four times the minimum dose.
Clinical Assessment - ANSThe RN determines through clinical assessment and history if a
higher dose is necessary.
Supplemental Doses - ANSAllowed if additional relief is needed before the next dosing
interval, without exceeding the maximum prescribed dose.
What are the indications for Penicillins? - ANSTonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections,
bronchitis, UTIs, gonorrhea, skin infections
What are the adverse reactions associated with Penicillins? - ANSAnaphylaxis, neutropenia,
leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hepatotoxicity
Penicillins - Patient Education: Completing Therapy - ANSPatients should complete the
entire prescribed therapy of penicillins.
Penicillins - Patient Education: Allergic Reactions - ANSPatients should seek emergency
treatment for any allergic reactions to penicillins.
Penicillins - Patient Education: Birth Control Interaction - ANSPenicillins may decrease the
effectiveness of birth control pills.
Tetracyclines - ANSIndications: UTIs, acne, gonorrhea, chlamydia. Adverse Reactions:
Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hepatotoxicity, superinfection, hemolytic anemia,
anaphylaxis.
Tetracyclines - Patient Education - ANSAvoid sun exposure; do not take during tooth
development (last trimester of pregnancy, neonatal period, childhood until age 8); avoid dairy
products and antacids within 2 hours of taking.
Aminoglycosides - ANSIndications: Serious infections like cirrhosis, gonorrhea, pneumonia,
septicemia, UTIs. Adverse Reactions: Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, agranulocytosis,
thrombocytopenia, neurotoxicity.
