Overview
This lecture covers key NCLEX pharmacology concepts, focusing on drugs like lithium, potency of pain medications, adverse vs. side effects, and common prescriptions for specific conditions, using NCLEX-style questions.
Lithium & Electrolytes
- Lithium is the drug of choice for bipolar disorder.
- Lithium is an electrolyte and interacts closely with sodium levels.
- As sodium increases, lithium decreases; as sodium decreases, lithium increases (risk for toxicity).
- Normal sodium range is 135–145 mEq/L.
- Monitor sodium levels for patients on lithium.
Potency of Pain Medications
- Potency refers to the drug strength—how much is needed to achieve relief.
- Fentanyl is the most potent among pain medications discussed; very small doses are effective and potentially lethal.
- Other medications compared: oxycodone (Percocet), hydromorphone, and codeine.
Managing Adverse vs. Side Effects
- Side effects are expected and managed; do not require notifying the provider (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, headache).
- Adverse effects require provider notification and medication discontinuation (e.g., rash, wheezing).
- Recognize common adverse effects such as rash or wheezing as potential allergic reactions.
Smoking Cessation Medications
- Varenicline (Chantix) is commonly prescribed for smoking cessation.
- Dutasteride is for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction.
- Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic.
Medications for Allergic Rhinitis
- Fluticasone (nasal spray) is effective for severe allergic rhinitis.
- Methylprednisolone is a systemic steroid and not usually used for allergic rhinitis.
- Montelukast (Singulair) is for asthma, not nasal symptoms.
- Memantine is not appropriate for allergic rhinitis.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Lithium — electrolyte and mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder.
- Potency — the strength or amount needed of a drug to elicit an effect.
- Adverse effect — unexpected, dangerous reaction requiring provider intervention.
- Side effect — an expected, often mild effect that does not require stopping the drug.
- Varenicline — medication for smoking cessation.
- Fluticasone — nasal steroid spray for allergies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize common drug names, uses, and their key side/adverse effects.
- Review normal lab values, especially sodium for patients on lithium.
- Practice distinguishing between side effects and adverse effects on NCLEX-style questions.
- Watch the next video in the pharmacology review series.