NCLEX-PN

Chapter 6: Physiological Integrity (Pharmacological Therapies) Overview

Pharmacological and parenteral therapies encompass the care involved in administering various medications, including parenteral/IV therapy. The usage of generic medication names remains relatively uniform, while brand/trade names might differ. Hence, anticipate encountering generic medication names exclusively on the NCLEX-PN® exam. Additionally, certain exam questions might pertain more broadly to general categories of medications. In the NCLEX-PN® exam, approximately 10-16% of the questions are dedicated to the subcategory of Pharmacological Therapies. Learning Objectives 1.​ Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of adverse effects, contraindications, side effects, and interactions associated with various medications. 2.​ Proficiently manage aspects related to blood and blood products, central venous access devices, dosage calculations, expected actions and outcomes of interventions, medication administration, handling, and maintenance. 3.​ Apply specialized knowledge in the areas of parenteral and intravenous therapies, pharmacological pain management, and total parenteral nutrition for effective client care. A. Client Safety: Managing Medication E ects and Interactions When it comes to ensuring the well-being of clients, a thorough understanding of adverse effects, contraindications, side effects, and interactions associated with medications is crucial. Diligent assessment of both existing and potential effects is a vital role that nurses play in safeguarding the safety and health of their clients. Medication Administration: A Comprehensive Approach Medication administration involves more than just delivering prescribed drugs to a client. It requires the nurse to integrate critical thinking skills , exercise professional judgment, possess knowledge of pathophysiology , and have a deep understanding of the client's individual condition. Medications can include prescription drugs, over-the-counter solutions, and even herbal remedies. Assessing them demands a comprehensive knowledge of all medications the client is currently taking, as well as information about their preexisting medical conditions. When medications are prescribed, the nurse's competence extends to understanding the indications, contraindications, potential side effects, adverse reactions, and interactions linked with the medication. This essential information is typically obtained from reliable sources such as the Physician's Desk Reference . In cases where the nurse's understanding of these aspects and the client's health status do

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