NCLEX-RN - High-Yield Pharmacology & Clinical Prioritization Flashcards

Question 1

Key Side Effects of Vancomycin

Accepted Answer

Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and Red Man Syndrome (flushing, rash, pruritus, hypotension due to rapid infusion).

Question 2

ABCs of Clinical Prioritization

Accepted Answer

Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Always prioritize immediate threats to these physiological functions first.

Question 3

Normal Potassium ($K^+$) Lab Value

Accepted Answer

$3.5 - 5.0 	ext{ mEq/L}$. Critical for cardiac function; deviations can cause dysrhythmias.

Question 4

Normal Sodium ($Na^+$) Lab Value

Accepted Answer

$135 - 145 	ext{ mEq/L}$. Essential for fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction.

Question 5

Normal International Normalized Ratio ($INR$) Range (Non-Anticoagulated)

Accepted Answer

$0.8 - 1.2$. Measures the extrinsic pathway of coagulation; higher values indicate slower clotting.

Question 6

Normal International Normalized Ratio ($INR$) Range (Anticoagulated with Warfarin)

Accepted Answer

$2.0 - 3.0$ for most conditions (e.g., A-fib, DVT). $2.5 - 3.5$ for mechanical heart valves.

Question 7

Normal Blood Urea Nitrogen ($BUN$) Lab Value

Accepted Answer

$10 - 20 	ext{ mg/dL}$. Indicates kidney function and hydration status; elevated levels can suggest dehydration or renal impairment.

Question 8

Antidote for Heparin Overdose

Accepted Answer

Protamine Sulfate. Administered slowly IV to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin.

Question 9

Antidote for Warfarin Overdose

Accepted Answer

Vitamin K (Phytonadione). For rapid reversal, Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) may be used in severe bleeding.

Question 10

Antidote for Opioid Overdose

Accepted Answer

Naloxone (Narcan). Reverses respiratory depression and CNS depression caused by opioids.

Question 11

Antidote for Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Overdose

Accepted Answer

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst). Protects the liver from toxic metabolites of acetaminophen.

Question 12

Antidote for Benzodiazepine Overdose

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil. Reverses sedative effects, but use with caution due to potential for withdrawal seizures.

Question 13

Antidote for Magnesium Sulfate Toxicity

Accepted Answer

Calcium Gluconate. Administered IV to counteract CNS and respiratory depression, and cardiac effects.

Question 14

Digoxin: Therapeutic Range & Toxicity Signs

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic range: $0.5 - 2.0 	ext{ ng/mL}$. Toxicity signs: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bradycardia, visual disturbances (yellow-green halos).

Question 15

Lithium: Therapeutic Range & Toxicity Signs

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic range: $0.6 - 1.2 	ext{ mEq/L}$. Toxicity signs: Tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, slurred speech, seizures.

Question 16

Phenytoin (Dilantin): Therapeutic Range & Toxicity Signs

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic range: $10 - 20 	ext{ mcg/mL}$. Toxicity signs: Nystagmus, ataxia, slurred speech, gingival hyperplasia (long-term effect).

Question 17

Theophylline: Therapeutic Range & Toxicity Signs

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic range: $10 - 20 	ext{ mcg/mL}$. Toxicity signs: Nausea, vomiting, restlessness, tremors, dysrhythmias, seizures.

Question 18

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Nursing Prioritization

Accepted Answer

Prioritize physiological needs (e.g., oxygen, food, water, elimination) first, followed by safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

Question 19

Prioritizing Unstable vs. Stable Patients

Accepted Answer

Always prioritize the unstable patient (e.g., acute change in condition, unexpected findings, signs of distress) over the stable patient.

Question 20

Prioritizing Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Accepted Answer

Prioritize acute problems (e.g., sudden onset chest pain, severe dyspnea) over chronic, stable conditions (e.g., long-standing diabetes, controlled hypertension).

Question 21

Prioritizing Unexpected vs. Expected Findings

Accepted Answer

Prioritize unexpected findings (e.g., new onset confusion in an elderly patient, sudden drop in blood pressure) over expected findings (e.g., pain after surgery managed by analgesics).

Question 22

Key Side Effects of ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril)

Accepted Answer

Dry, persistent cough, angioedema (life-threatening), hyperkalemia, hypotension. Monitor blood pressure and renal function.

Question 23

Key Side Effects/Contraindications of Beta-Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol)

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm (contraindicated in asthma/COPD), fatigue, masking hypoglycemia symptoms. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 24

Common Anticholinergic Side Effects

Accepted Answer

"Can't see, can't pee, can't spit, can't sh*t" (blurred vision, urinary retention, dry mouth, constipation). Also tachycardia, confusion.

Question 25

Nursing Considerations for Loop Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)

Accepted Answer

Monitor for hypokalemia, hyponatremia, dehydration, hypotension, and ototoxicity (especially with rapid IV push). Administer slowly.

NCLEX-RN - High-Yield Pharmacology & Clinical Prioritization

Card Preview

Related Flashcard Sets

NCLEX-RN - Clinical Pharmacology & Patient Safety Protocols

ECON201 - Intermediate Microeconomics & Game Theory

Rust Systems Programming & Ownership Model

NEUR101 - Neurobiology & Action Potentials