Top NCLEX Medications
Metoprolol 🚑💨
H.E.A.R.T. B.L.O.C.K.
H – Hypertension Indication
E – Erectile dysfunction side effect
A – Angina relief
R – Rate control in arrhythmias
T – Tiredness side effect
B – Beta-blocker
L – Low blood pressure side effect)
O – Outcomes improved in heart failure
C – Caution in asthma/COPD (may worsen breathing issues despite β1 selectivity)
K – Keeps heart protected post-MI (reduces risk of another heart attack)
Furosemide 🚑💨
F.U.R.O.S.E.M.I.D.E.
F – Frequent urination (diuretic effect)
U – Uses: Edema, hypertension, & heart failure.
R – Reduces blood pressure and fluid overload
O – Out potassium (monitor for hypokalemia)
S – Sodium loss (monitor electrolytes)
E – Eat potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges)
M – Monitor weight daily
I – IV fast IV push causes ototoxicity
D – Dehydration risk
E – Effect lasts six hours (“Lasix lasts six”)
Warfarin
“WARFARIN”
- W: Watch bleeding
- A: Always check INR
- R: Regular diet with consistent vitamin K foods
- F: Fall risk
- A: Avoid garlic, ginger
- R: Report bleeding
- I: Inform doctors
- N: Need frequent monitoring
Levothyroxine
SYNTHROID
- S: Synthroid (brand name)
- Y: You take it on an empty stomach
- N: Never with food (wait 30-60 minutes)
- T: Treats hypothyroidism
- H: Heart issues, side effect
- R: Regular testing needed (monitor thyroid levels)
- O:Overdose/Underdose is risky (can cause side effects)
- I: Insomnia side effect
- D: Drug interactions: antacids, calcium, & iron ↓ absorption.
Albuterol
“ALBUTEROL”
A – Asthma relief (Used for quick relief of asthma attacks)
L – Lung opener (Helps open airways for easier breathing)
B – Beta-2 agonist (Relaxes airway muscles)
U – Used as a rescue inhaler (Not for daily control)
T – Tremors/ Tachycardia are common (Shakiness may happen)
E – Educate on proper use (Wait 1 minute between puffs)
R – Rapid relief (Works within 5-15 minutes)
O – Oxygen improves (Helps increase airflow)
L – Limit caffeine
🚑💨
Morphine 🚑💨
“MORPHINE”
- M: Miosis (pinpoint pupils)
- O: Overdose monitoring
- R: Respiratory depression side effect
- P: Pain relief
- H: Hypotension risk
- I: Itching side effect
- N: Naloxone antidote
- E: Educate patient about constipation 🚑💨