Antifungals
Antifungals, also called antimycotics, are drugs that are used to treat fungal infections. Fungal infections usually attack people with weak […]
Nursing Pharmacology
Nursing pharmacology is a specialized branch of nursing that focuses on the study of medications and their effects on the human body, with the goal of ensuring safe and effective drug administration. It involves understanding the principles of pharmacology, drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, potential side effects, and nursing implications associated with medication administration.
Key aspects of nursing pharmacology:
- Drug Classes and Categories: Nursing pharmacology involves learning about different classes and categories of drugs, such as antibiotics, analgesics, antihypertensives, diuretics, and many others. Understanding these classifications is essential for nurses to recognize the purpose and potential effects of medications.
- Mechanisms of Action: Nurses need to grasp how medications work at the molecular and physiological levels. This includes understanding how drugs interact with receptors in the body, alter biochemical processes, and produce therapeutic effects.
- Therapeutic Uses: Knowing the intended therapeutic uses of medications is crucial for nurses. This includes understanding the conditions and symptoms for which a particular drug is prescribed and how it contributes to patient care.
- Side Effects and Adverse Reactions: Nurses must be aware of potential side effects and adverse reactions associated with medications. This knowledge is important for monitoring patients, recognizing signs of drug-related issues, and taking appropriate actions to ensure patient safety.
- Dosage Calculations: Nurses are responsible for calculating and administering accurate medication dosages based on patient characteristics such as weight, age, and medical condition. This requires mathematical proficiency and attention to detail to prevent medication errors.
- Routes of Administration: Different medications are administered through various routes, including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and topical. Nurses need to understand the specific requirements and considerations for each route of administration.
- Patient Education: Nurses play a vital role in educating patients about their medications. This includes explaining the purpose of the medication, potential side effects, proper administration techniques, and the importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen.
- Drug Interactions: Pharmacology knowledge helps nurses identify potential drug interactions, where one medication may affect the efficacy or safety of another. Understanding these interactions is crucial to avoid complications and adverse outcomes.
- Monitoring and Assessment: Nurses regularly assess patients for the therapeutic effects and potential side effects of medications. Monitoring vital signs, laboratory values, and clinical symptoms helps nurses evaluate the patient’s response to treatment.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations: Nurses must adhere to legal and ethical standards related to medication administration. This includes understanding regulations, obtaining informed consent, and advocating for patient safety.
Macrolides
Macrolides are antibiotics with a macrocyclic lactone structure that has one or more deoxy sugars attached. They include the following
Monobactams
Monobactams are beta lactam antibiotics that are bactericidal in action. Currently, the only monobactam available is aztreonam. Pregnancy Category: B
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones are antibiotic successors of nalidixic acid. They offer greater efficacy, a broader spectrum of activity, and are safer than
Carbapenems
Carbapenems are broad spectrum antibiotics that are mostly used in cases of severe infections. They are mostly given via injections
Sulfonamides
Sulfonamides are bacteriostatic antibiotics. They include: Sulfamethoxazole (Mostly combined with trimethoprim) Sulfadiazine Sulfisoxazole Sulfasalazine Balsalazide Pregnancy Category: C (and D
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are bacteriostatic antibiotics. They include; Tetracycline Doxycycline Demeclocycline Minocycline Pregnancy Category: D Tetracyclines are toxic to the fetus and
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins are antibiotics that act on the bacterial cell wall. They are structurally and functionally related to penicillins. They are
Penicillins
Penicillins are the most commonly known antibiotic drugs. They are generally effective and have fewer toxic properties and thus tend
Aminoglycosides
Aminoglycosides are antibiotics (they exert their effects against bacteria). The term aminoglycoside is derived from its structure; two amino sugars