Nursing Tips: Pharmacology Basics

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QD or Q.D. is an abbreviation meaning "daily."

QD & Q.D.: Error-Prone Abbreviations

Pharmacology Pharmacology Basics

QD or Q.D. is an abbreviation meaning "daily." However, it is an error-prone abbreviation as it may be confused with QOD (every other day) or QID (four times a day). Instead, use the word "daily" when documenting.

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A medication's half-life is the amount of time it takes for the amount of medication in the body to be reduced by 50%.

Medication Half-life

Pharmacology Basics
A medication's half-life is the amount of time it takes for the amount of medication in the body to be reduced by 50%.
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A medication reconciliation is the process of compiling a complete and up-to-date list of medications a patient has been taking at home (including over-the-counter and herbal supplements) and comparing it with the provider's orders.

Medication Reconciliation

Pharmacology Basics
A medication reconciliation is the process of compiling a complete and up-to-date list of medications a patient has been taking at home (including over-the-counter and herbal supplements) and comparing it with the provider's orders.
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A dry powder inhaler (DPI) does not require the patient to shake the device or use a spacer. Instead, the patient should breathe in rapidly and deeply to move the dry powder fully into the lungs.

Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

Pharmacology Basics
A dry powder inhaler (DPI) does not require the patient to shake the device or use a spacer. Instead, the patient should breathe in rapidly and deeply to move the dry powder fully into the lungs.
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"Now" and "STAT" orders are similar, but have different time-frames for administration. Both need to be given quickly, but a "now" order should be given within 60 - 90 minutes while a STAT order must be given immediately (such as during a code blue).

Medication Administration: Now & STAT Orders

Pharmacology Basics
"Now" and "STAT" orders are similar, but have different time-frames for administration.
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For intramuscular injections under 1 year old, use vastus lateralis muscle!

Injections for infants

Pediatrics Pharmacology Basics
For intramuscular injections under 1 year old, use vastus lateralis muscle!
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Administration Set Priming for Blood Transfusion

Administration Set Priming for Blood Transfusion

Pharmacology Basics

For blood transfusion, prime the administration set with 0.9% NaCl ONLY.

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Do NOT administer any medications through a patient's parenteral nutrition (i.e. TPN) IV line! You need to use a separate line.

Medications in Nutrition IV Line

Nutrition Pharmacology Basics
Do NOT administer any medications through a patient's parenteral nutrition (i.e. TPN) IV line! You need to use a separate line.
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Best practices for telephone orders: Have second RN listen in on call. Repeat prescription back. Have provider sign prescription within 24 hr.

Telephone Orders

Fundamentals Pharmacology Basics

Best practices for telephone orders

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    For enteral feeding tubes (Nasogastric tubes, G-tubes): Flush tubing with 15-30ml of water before, after, and in between medications

    Enteral feeding tubes

    Fundamentals Pharmacology Basics
    For enteral feeding tubes, flush tubing with 15-30ml of water before, after, and in between medications
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    Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition

    Unavailable Parenteral Nutrition

    Nutrition Pharmacology Basics
    If your patient's next parenteral nutrition (i.e. TPN) line is unavailable, administer 10-20% dextrose in water until it arrives!
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    Z-Track Method

    Z-Track Method

    Cardiovascular Pharmacology Pharmacology Basics
    When administering iron dextran via IM injection, use the Z-track method!
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