Antibiotics

cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides.

Penicillin (e.g., amoxicillin): Used for various infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections.
- Key Points: Monitor for allergic reactions, such as rash or anaphylaxis. Take with food if GI upset occurs.
Cephalosporins (e.g., ceftriaxone): Often used for skin and soft tissue infections.
- Key Points: Avoid alcohol, as it may cause a disulfiram-like reaction. Check for penicillin allergy due to possible cross-sensitivity.
Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin): Treats serious infections like sepsis.
- Key Points: Monitor for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

2. Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Pain management is crucial in nursing, making analgesics a fundamental drug class.

Non-opioid Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen): Used for mild to moderate pain and fever.
- Key Points: Monitor liver function, especially with prolonged use or high doses.
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): Used for pain, inflammation, and fever.
- Key Points: Watch for GI bleeding, especially with long-term use. Avoid in patients with kidney issues or peptic ulcers.
Opioids (e.g., morphine, hydrocodone): Used for severe pain.
- Key Points: Monitor respiratory status and watch for signs of dependency. Use cautiously in elderly patients.

Medications for heart and blood pressure management are vital, as many NCLEX questions focus on cardiovascular conditions.

Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol): Used to manage hypertension, angina, and heart failure.
- Key Points: Monitor for bradycardia and hypotension. Advise patients to avoid abrupt withdrawal.
Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem): Used for hypertension and angina.
- Key Points: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate. Educate patients about possible peripheral edema.
ACE Inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril): Often prescribed for hypertension and heart failure.
- Key Points: Monitor for cough, hyperkalemia, and angioedema.
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, spironolactone): Help reduce fluid overload.
- Key Points: Monitor electrolytes, especially potassium, and watch for signs of dehydration.

These medications help prevent blood clotting, crucial for patients with high clotting risk due to conditions like atrial fibrillation or DVT.

Warfarin (Coumadin): A traditional oral anticoagulant.
- Key Points: Monitor INR levels regularly. Advise patients to maintain consistent vitamin K intake.
Heparin: Typically administered in a hospital setting for acute clot prevention.
- Key Points: Monitor for signs of bleeding and check aPTT levels for dosing adjustments.
Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel): Used to prevent clot formation in patients with cardiovascular disease.
- Key Points: Monitor for GI bleeding and avoid concurrent NSAID use.

Understanding the treatment of diabetes and thyroid disorders is critical for NCLEX candidates.

Insulin (e.g., regular, NPH, insulin glargine): Essential for blood glucose control in diabetes.
- Key Points: Recognize the onset, peak, and duration of various insulin types. Monitor for hypoglycemia, especially with rapid-acting insulins.
Oral Hypoglycemics (e.g., metformin, glipizide): Used for Type 2 diabetes.
- Key Points: Monitor for GI side effects with metformin, and avoid in renal impairment. Advise patients to take glipizide with meals to avoid hypoglycemia.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement (e.g., levothyroxine): Treats hypothyroidism.
- Key Points: Administer on an empty stomach. Monitor thyroid function tests regularly.
Antithyroid Drugs (e.g., methimazole): Treats hyperthyroidism.
- Key Points: Monitor for signs of agranulocytosis and hepatic dysfunction.

NCLEX questions often focus on medications for mental health conditions, especially antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics.

SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline): First-line treatment for depression and anxiety.
- Key Points: Monitor for serotonin syndrome. Takes several weeks to reach full effect.
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam): Used for anxiety and as sedatives.
- Key Points: Risk of dependence; used for short-term treatment. Monitor for CNS depression.
Antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine): Treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Key Points: Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia with long-term use.

Asthma and COPD management is critical in both pediatric and adult patients.

Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol): Used as rescue inhalers for acute asthma symptoms.
- Key Points: Monitor for tachycardia and tremors. Instruct patients to use a spacer for better inhalation.
Corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone): Used for long-term asthma control.
- Key Points: Rinse mouth after inhalation to prevent oral thrush. Monitor for signs of systemic effects with long-term use.

GI medications are essential for managing issues like acid reflux, constipation, and ulcers.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole): Used for GERD and peptic ulcers.
- Key Points: Take before meals. Long-term use may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Laxatives (e.g., lactulose, polyethylene glycol): Help treat constipation.
- Key Points: Monitor for electrolyte imbalance with chronic use.
Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron): Used to prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Key Points: Watch for potential QT prolongation in high doses.

Antiviral drugs treat viral infections and are commonly tested in the context of herpes and influenza.

Acyclovir: Used for herpes simplex and varicella-zoster.
- Key Points: Encourage hydration to prevent nephrotoxicity. Advise patients to start treatment at the first sign of an outbreak.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu): Used to reduce flu symptoms.
- Key Points: Most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Anticonvulsants are vital for managing epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

Phenytoin: Used for seizure control.
- Key Points: Monitor therapeutic levels (10-20 mcg/mL), as toxicity can lead to CNS effects. Encourage good oral hygiene due to risk of gingival hyperplasia.
Valproic Acid: Used for various seizure types.
- Key Points: Monitor liver function and watch for signs of hepatotoxicity.

These medications require careful handling and monitoring due to their cytotoxic nature.

Methotrexate: Used in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
- Key Points: Monitor for bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity.
Doxorubicin: Commonly used in cancer treatment.
- Key Points: Monitor for cardiotoxicity and advise patients about red urine as a harmless side effect.

Immunosuppressants are used in autoimmune disorders and post-transplant care.

Cyclosporine: Prevents organ rejection.
- Key Points: Monitor renal function and watch for hypertension.
Azathioprine: Used in autoimmune conditions.
- Key Points: Watch for bone marrow suppression and signs of infection.