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NCLEX Pharmacology: suffixes, side effects, priorities

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NCLEX Pharmacology: suffixes, side effects, priorities

Drug classes by suffix, the side effect that gives each one away, and the priority questions the NCLEX loves.

On the NCLEX, the drug's suffix is already half the answer.

-olol


Beta blockers (metoprolol, atenolol). Watch for: bradycardia and bronchospasm. Hold if the pulse is under 60.

-pril


ACE inhibitors (lisinopril). The classic exam side effect: a dry, persistent cough.

-statin


Cholesterol drugs. Testable adverse effect: muscle pain — check the CK.

A client on lisinopril reports a dry cough that won't go away. What does the nurse expect?

  1. AThe dose will be increased
  2. BThe drug will be switched to an ARB
  3. CThe cough is unrelated
  4. DAdd an antibiotic

ACE-inhibitor cough is a class effect, not an infection. The usual switch is to an ARB such as losartan, which doesn't cause it.

The five rights, every time

Right patient, drug, dose, route, time. When a question pits speed against verification, verification wins.

Which antidote goes with an acetaminophen overdose?

  1. AFlumazenil
  2. BN-acetylcysteine
  3. CNaloxone
  4. DVitamin K

Flumazenil is for benzodiazepines, naloxone for opioids, vitamin K for warfarin. Learn the table as four pairs.

How the NCLEX asks

A short scenario and «which action is priority?». Almost always: assess before you act, and safety before comfort.

Don't memorize 400 drugs. Learn the 40 that show up.

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Drug classes by suffix, the side effect that gives each one away, and the priority questions the NCLEX loves.

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