Pharmacology Study Tips - Introduction to Pharmacology | @LevelUpRN

Summary

In the first video of her pharmacology series, Cathy Parkes, a registered nurse, shares key study tips for mastering pharmacology. She emphasizes the importance of using flashcards, spaced-out study sessions, and knowing generic medication names. Cathy highlights the safety of medications during pregnancy and provides practical advice on food interactions, patient counseling, and medication administration. She covers essential topics like completing antibiotic courses, avoiding crushing extended-release capsules, and understanding common medication side effects. This video is designed to help nursing students excel in pharmacology and prepare for exams, while focusing on patient safety and effective medication practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use flashcards for repetition when studying pharmacology; either buy or create your own.
• 😀 Space out your study sessions over multiple days rather than cramming in one long session for better retention.
• 😀 Take your flashcards with you everywhere (e.g., walks, class, or while waiting) for consistent review.
• 😀 Pay special attention to bolded and red items on the flashcards as they are crucial for nursing students.
• 😀 The pharmacology video series will include silly tips for remembering medications, with a fun twist (PG-13 content).
• 😀 Focus on knowing the generic names of medications, as these are used on exams, though brand names may help in recall.
• 😀 Most medications are not safe during pregnancy, so it's better to assume they aren't unless otherwise specified.
• 😀 When studying food interactions, remember grapefruit juice as it interacts with many medications.
• 😀 Advise patients not to abruptly discontinue medications or double doses if a dose is missed (with some exceptions like birth control).
• 😀 Ensure cultures and sensitivities are done before starting antibiotics and make sure patients complete the full antibiotic course.
• 😀 Do not chew or crush extended-release capsules as it can interfere with their effectiveness and safety.

Q & A

Why does Cathy recommend using flashcards for studying pharmacology?

Cathy recommends flashcards because repetition is key in learning pharmacology. Flashcards help reinforce information, making it easier to remember and retain important drug details over time.

What is the importance of spacing out study sessions for pharmacology?

Research shows that spacing out study sessions over multiple days improves retention better than cramming all at once. This method allows for better memory consolidation and reduces the chances of forgetting important details.

Do I need to buy Cathy’s flashcards to follow along with the video series?

No, you do not need Cathy’s flashcards to follow along. However, Cathy highly recommends having flashcards—either purchased or self-made—as they are an effective tool for repetition and learning pharmacology.

What key concept should I focus on when studying medications in this series?

Focus on learning the **generic names** of medications, as tests will typically present drugs by their generic names. Knowing the brand names can be helpful, but understanding the generic names is essential.

What should you do if you miss a dose of medication?

In general, if a dose is missed, you should not double up on the missed dose unless advised by a healthcare provider. Instead, take the next dose at the usual time. Always follow specific instructions for each medication.

Why is grapefruit juice important to remember when studying pharmacology?

Grapefruit juice is known to interact with a wide range of medications. Cathy suggests keeping it in mind as a common food interaction, as it may affect the absorption or effectiveness of certain drugs.

What is Cathy’s approach to medications during pregnancy?

Cathy advises that most medications are not safe during pregnancy. While she doesn’t spend much time memorizing specific categories (A, B, C, D), she recommends assuming that most medications pose some risk to pregnant individuals.

What is the proper procedure for administering antibiotics to a patient?

Before starting antibiotics, a **culture and sensitivity** test should be performed to identify the pathogen. It’s also crucial for patients to complete the full course of antibiotics to avoid resistance and ensure proper treatment.

What should you avoid doing with extended-release medications?

Extended-release medications should never be chewed or crushed, as this can alter their effectiveness or cause serious side effects. Always administer these medications as prescribed, without altering their form.

What should you consider when determining the side effects of a medication?

Consider how a medication works. If a drug performs its job too effectively, it could lead to adverse effects. For example, blood pressure medications might cause hypotension, diabetic medications could cause hypoglycemia, and anticoagulants could lead to bleeding.