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Tag: Nursing

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What to monitor for with oxytocin?: A Comprehensive Guide

4 min read
Oxytocin is classified as a "High Alert Medication" by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices due to the significant risk of harm to the patient if it is used improperly. Therefore, knowing **what to monitor for with oxytocin?** is a critical component of safe patient care in obstetric settings.

What to check before giving EPOGEN?

3 min read
EPOGEN (epoetin alfa) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, and HIV treatment. A critical pre-administration checklist can help mitigate serious risks, including cardiovascular events, seizures, and tumor progression. Ensuring proper evaluation before each dose is paramount for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Understanding Which Medication Would the Nurse Identify as Being Used Both for Cervical Ripening?

4 min read
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), prostaglandins are effective pharmacologic agents for cervical ripening. Nurses would identify specific prostaglandin analogs, including dinoprostone and misoprostol, as the primary medications used for this purpose. These drugs help soften and prepare the cervix for labor induction.

Comprehensive Guide: What to Assess Before Administering Opioids?

4 min read
According to the CDC, concurrent use of opioids and other sedating medications like benzodiazepines significantly increases overdose risk, underscoring the critical need for a thorough pre-administration assessment. This comprehensive guide details exactly what to assess before administering opioids to ensure patient safety and efficacy.

Is Heparin a High Alert Medication? Exploring the Risks and Safety Protocols

4 min read
According to a 2008 Joint Commission alert, anticoagulant therapies like heparin bear a high potential for patient harm if used improperly and are therefore classified as a high-alert medication. While effective in treating and preventing blood clots, its narrow therapeutic range means that even a small dosing error can have devastating and even fatal consequences for a patient. Healthcare facilities employ strict protocols to minimize the risks associated with heparin administration.

What is the protocol for administering IVIG?

5 min read
In a 2018 survey, 98% of patients using Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) reported experiencing side effects, highlighting the need for strict adherence to administration protocols [1.6.1]. So, what is the protocol for administering IVIG safely and effectively?

Which Antibiotics Are Vesicants? Identifying the Risk for Extravasation

5 min read
According to studies on outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), the antibiotic vancomycin has been associated with an increased rate of catheter complications, including extravasation. Understanding which antibiotics are vesicants—agents capable of causing severe tissue damage if they leak from a blood vessel—is critical for patient safety during intravenous (IV) administration. This guide explores these medications, the risks they pose, and the best practices for prevention and management.

What Ointment is Used for Extravasation? A Comprehensive Guide

4 min read
Extravasation, the leakage of intravenously infused drugs into surrounding tissue, occurs in approximately 0.1 to 6% of patients receiving chemotherapy. Knowing what ointment is used for extravasation is crucial for prompt and effective management, though the specific treatment depends heavily on the type of medication that has infiltrated the tissue.

Understanding How Do You Treat Extravasation of Azithromycin?

5 min read
Intravenous (IV) extravasation, the inadvertent leakage of a vesicant drug into the surrounding tissue, is a recognized risk during infusion therapy, with incidence rates varying by setting. As IV azithromycin is classified as a vesicant, understanding how to treat extravasation of azithromycin is essential for patient safety to mitigate potential tissue damage and complications.