Pharmacology for Nurses

Pharmacology for Nurses is intended for nursing students in an introductory program. It provides a fundamental understanding of the therapeutic use of drugs, so the nurse can provide safe and effective care to the client. Along with a discussion of each body system, the text also reviews the pathophysiology of various disease processes and medications used in treatment. The table of contents presents 40 chapter topics, organized into 11 units. The first unit, consisting of 3 chapters, provides a broad overview of pharmacology, with the following 10 units focused on specific body systems.

Pharmacology for Nurses helps students prepare for the licensing exam and their careers by offering applicable, real-life content in short, manageable sections. The material focuses on common client conditions that nurses will encounter throughout their career and embraces a skills orientation (what does a nurse do). The text presents information in a holistic manner that ties the disease process to its pharmacological treatment. As a result, Pharmacology for Nurses will give students the confidence to safely administer medications to clients, as well as provide medication education to clients and their caregivers.

Senior Contributing Authors
• Tina Barbour-Taylor, University of West Florida
• Leah Mueller (Sabato), Middle Tennessee State University
• Donna Paris, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing
• Dorie Weaver, Francis Marion University

Contributing Authors
• Stacey Amick, Midlands Technical College
• Patty Bartzak, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
• Amy B. Britt, Bon Secours Mercy Health
• Brenda Brown, Georgia Department of Public Health
• Jake Bush, University of West Florida
• Denise E. King, Dominican University
• Jennifer Richter, University of West Florida
• Marjorie G. Webb, Metropolitan State University
• Adam Wood, Nova Southeastern University

Preface

Unit 1 Introduction to Pharmacology for Nurses

Chapter 1 Introduction to Pharmacology
o Introduction
o 1.1 Pharmacology, Interdisciplinary Teams, and Nursing Practice
o 1.2 Drug Sources, Forms, and Names
o 1.3 Drug Classifications and Prototypes
o 1.4 Special Considerations
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 2 Drug Administration
o Introduction
o 2.1 Drug Administration and the Nursing Process
o 2.2 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
o 2.3 Drug Administration Routes, Preparation, and Administration
o 2.4 Dosage Calculations
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 3 Ethics, Legal Considerations, and Safety
o Introduction
o 3.1 Legal Considerations
o 3.2 Drug Errors and Prevention
o 3.3 Documentation and Informatics
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 2 Homeostasis

Chapter 4 Introduction to Homeostasis
o Introduction
o 4.1 What Is Homeostasis?
o 4.2 Osmolality
o 4.3 Maintaining Homeostasis
o 4.4 Negative Feedback Loop
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 5 Fluids and Electrolytes, Vitamins, Minerals, and Alternative Therapies
o Introduction
o 5.1 Fluid Volume
o 5.2 Electrolytes
o 5.3 Intravenous Fluid Therapy, Total Parenteral Nutrition, and Blood Products
o 5.4 Vitamins, Minerals, and Complementary and Alternative Therapies
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 3 Immune System

Chapter 6 Introduction to the Immune System and the Inflammatory Response
o Introduction
o 6.1 Introduction to Immunity
o 6.2 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Vaccines, and Immunizations
o 6.3 Immunosuppressants, Biologics, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Biosimilar Drugs
o 6.4 Introduction to the Inflammatory Response and Anti-inflammatory Drugs
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 7 Anti-infective Drugs
o Introduction
o 7.1 Introduction to Bacterial, Viral/COVID-19, and Fungal Infections
o 7.2 Antibiotic, Antiviral/Anti–COVID-19, and Antifungal Drugs
o 7.3 Introduction to HIV, AIDS, and Antiretrovirals
o 7.4 Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Drugs to Treat Them
o 7.5 Introduction to Tuberculosis and Antitubercular Drugs
o 7.6 Antiparasitic and Anthelminthic Drugs
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 8 Introduction to Cancer Therapy and Cancer Drugs
o Introduction
o 8.1 Introduction to Cancer and Phases of Cancer Therapy
o 8.2 Chemotherapeutic Drugs
o 8.3 Hormonal Therapy
o 8.4 Biologic Response Modifiers
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 4 Nervous System and Drugs for Mental Well-Being

Chapter 9 Introduction to the Nervous System
o Introduction
o 9.1 Introduction to the Nervous System
o 9.2 Structure and Function of the Nervous System
o 9.3 Characteristics of Drugs to Treat Nervous System Disorders
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 10 Drugs to Treat Myasthenia Gravis and Alzheimer’s Disease
o Introduction
o 10.1 Introduction to Myasthenia Gravis
o 10.2 Cholinergic Drugs
o 10.3 Introduction to Alzheimer’s Disease
o 10.4 Alzheimer’s Drugs
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 11 Drugs to Treat Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis
o Introduction
o 11.1 Introduction to Parkinson’s Disease
o 11.2 Anti-Parkinsonian Drugs
o 11.3 Introduction to Multiple Sclerosis
o 11.4 Drugs Used in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 12 Anticonvulsant Drugs and Drugs to Treat Epilepsy, Migraine Headaches, and Intracranial Emergencies
o Introduction
o 12.1 Epilepsy and Anticonvulsant Drugs
o 12.2 Migraine Headaches and Migraine Headache Drugs
o 12.3 Intracranial Emergencies and Intracranial Emergency Drugs
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 13 Psychopharmacologic Drugs
o Introduction
o 13.1 Antidepressants
o 13.2 Antipsychotics
o 13.3 Mood Stabilizers
o 13.4 Anxiolytics and Sedative-Hypnotics
o 13.5 CNS Stimulants and Nonstimulants
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 14 Pain Response Drugs
o Introduction
o 14.1 Introduction to Pain
o 14.2 Nonopioid Analgesics
o 14.3 Opioid Agonists and Antagonists
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 15 Substance Use Disorder Treatment Drugs
o Introduction
o 15.1 Introduction to Substance Use Disorders
o 15.2 Opioid Use Disorder Drugs
o 15.3 Alcohol Use Disorder Drugs
o 15.4 Nicotine Use Disorder Drugs
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 5 Cardiovascular System

Chapter 16 Introduction to the Cardiovascular System
o Introduction
o 16.1 Introduction to the Heart, Circulation, and Blood Flow
o 16.2 Pumping Action of the Heart
o 16.3 Conduction of Electrical Impulses
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 17 Antidysrhythmic Drugs
o Introduction
o 17.1 Introduction to Dysrhythmias
o 17.2 Class I: Sodium Channel Blockers
o 17.3 Class II: Beta Adrenergic Blockers
o 17.4 Class III: Potassium Channel Blockers
o 17.5 Class IV: Calcium Channel Blockers
o 17.6 Unclassified Antidysrhythmics
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 18 Antihypertensive and Antianginal Drugs
o Introduction
o 18.1 Hypertension and Angina
o 18.2 Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
o 18.3 Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
o 18.4 Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
o 18.5 Calcium Channel Blockers
o 18.6 Diuretics
o 18.7 Nitrates
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 19 Heart Failure Drugs
o Introduction
o 19.1 Heart Failure
o 19.2 Drugs Affecting the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
o 19.3 Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
o 19.4 Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2Is)
o 19.5 Diuretics
o 19.6 Adjunct Medications Used in Heart Failure
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 20 Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet, and Thrombolytic Drugs
o Introduction
o 20.1 Introduction to Clotting and Coagulation
o 20.2 Anticoagulants
o 20.3 Antiplatelets
o 20.4 Thrombolytics
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 21 Lipid-Lowering Drugs
o Introduction
o 21.1 Introduction to Lipoprotein and Apolipoproteins
o 21.2 Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) and PCSK9 Inhibitors
o 21.3 Bile Acid Sequestrants, Fibrates, and Niacin
o 21.4 Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 22 Cardiac Emergency and Shock Drugs
o Introduction
o 22.1 Introduction to Cardiac Emergencies and Shock
o 22.2 Cardiac Emergency Drugs
o 22.3 Shock Drugs
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 6 Respiratory System

Chapter 23 Introduction to the Respiratory System
o Introduction
o 23.1 Introduction to the Upper Respiratory System
o 23.2 Introduction to the Lower Respiratory System
o 23.3 Oxygenation and Gas Exchange
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 24 Upper Respiratory Disorder Drugs
o Introduction
o 24.1 Antihistamines and Decongestants
o 24.2 Antitussives
o 24.3 Expectorants and Mucolytics
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 25 Lower Respiratory Disorder Drugs
o Introduction
o 25.1 Adrenergics and Anticholinergics
o 25.2 Corticosteroids
o 25.3 Xanthines, Leukotriene Modifiers, and Mast Cell Stabilizers
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 7 Endocrine System

Chapter 26 Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Adrenal Disorder Drugs
o Introduction
o 26.1 Introduction to the Adrenal Cortex, Pituitary, and Hypothalamus
o 26.2 Growth Hormones and Suppressants
o 26.3 Antidiuretic Hormones
o 26.4 Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 27 Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorder Drugs
o Introduction
o 27.1 Introduction to the Thyroid and Parathyroid
o 27.2 Thyroid and Antithyroid Drugs
o 27.3 Calcium Preparations, Vitamin D, Bisphosphonates, Calcimimetics, and Peptide Hormones
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 28 Diabetic Drugs
o Introduction
o 28.1 Introduction to Diabetes
o 28.2 Insulin and Non-Insulin Injectable Diabetes Drugs
o 28.3 Oral Antidiabetic Drugs
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 8 Digestive System

Chapter 29 Introduction to the Digestive System
o Introduction
o 29.1 Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System and Oral Cavity
o 29.2 Introduction to the Esophagus and Stomach
o 29.3 Introduction to the Small and Large Intestines
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 30 Gastrointestinal Disorder Drugs
o Introduction
o 30.1 Antiemetics
o 30.2 Antidiarrheals
o 30.3 Laxatives and Stool Softeners
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 31 Hyperacidity and Antiulcer Drugs
o Introduction
o 31.1 Antacids
o 31.2 Histamine Blockers and Proton-Pump Inhibitors
o 31.3 Pepsin Inhibitors and Prostaglandin Analogues
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 32 Weight Management Drugs
o Introduction
o 32.1 Introduction to Weight Management
o 32.2 Anorexiants
o 32.3 Lipase Inhibitors
o 32.4 Other Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Remedies
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 9 Renal and Urinary Systems

Chapter 33 Introduction to the Renal and Urinary Systems
o Introduction
o 33.1 Introduction to the Renal System
o 33.2 Renal-Associated Fluid Volume Excess
o 33.3 Introduction to the Urinary System
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 34 Diuretic Drugs
o Introduction
o 34.1 Introduction to Diuretics
o 34.2 Loop Diuretics
o 34.3 Osmotic Diuretics
o 34.4 Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
o 34.5 Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 35 Urinary and Bladder Disorder Drugs
o Introduction
o 35.1 Urinary Anti-infectives
o 35.2 Urinary Antispasmodics, Antimuscarinics, and Anticholinergics
o 35.3 Urinary Analgesics
o 35.4 Urinary Stimulants
o 35.5 Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 10 Reproductive System

Chapter 36 Reproductive Health Drugs
o Introduction
o 36.1 Review of the Female Reproductive System
o 36.2 Hormonal, Contraception, and Infertility Drugs
o 36.3 Uterine Motility Drugs and Lactation Considerations
o 36.4 Bisphosphonates, Calcium Preparations, Vitamin D, and Estrogen Receptor Modulators
o 36.5 Review of the Male Reproductive System
o 36.6 Androgens, Antiandrogens, and Anabolic Steroids
o 36.7 Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
o 36.8 Alpha Blockers and 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 37 Transgender and Nonbinary Drugs
o Introduction
o 37.1 Overview of Transgender and Nonbinary Health
o 37.2 Feminizing Hormonal Therapy
o 37.3 Masculinizing Hormonal Therapy
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Unit 11 Sensory and Dermatologic Systems

Chapter 38 Ophthalmic Drugs
o Introduction
o 38.1 Introduction to the Eyes
o 38.2 Ocular Anti-inflammatories and Anti-infectives
o 38.3 Ocular Anesthetics and Lubricants
o 38.4 Antiglaucoma Drugs
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 39 Otic Drugs
o Introduction
o 39.1 Introduction to the Ears
o 39.2 Otic Anti-inflammatories and Anti-infectives
o 39.3 Otic Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Cerumenolytics
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Chapter 40 Dermatologic Disorder Drugs
o Introduction
o 40.1 Introduction to the Skin and Its Function
o 40.2 Acne Drugs
o 40.3 Psoriatic Drugs
o 40.4 Other Dermatologic Condition Drugs and Topical Anti-infectives for Burns
o Chapter Summary
o Key Terms
o Review Questions

Appendix A International System of Units
Appendix B Common Abbreviations and Lab Values
Appendix C Drug Conversion Tables