Beta Blocker (-lol)	Blocks beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure  Tip: Monitor HR and BP before administering — hold if HR <60. NCLEX likes: metoprolol — check apical pulse for 1 full minute before giving.
ACE Inhibitor (-pril)	Inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, lowering BP by reducing angiotensin II  Tip: Monitor for dry cough (common side effect), hyperkalemia, and angioedema. If the patient develops a persistent dry cough on lisinopril — it's the ACE inhibitor. Don't discontinue without contacting provider.
Calcium Channel Blocker (-dipine)	Blocks calcium entry into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, causing vasodilation  Tip: Used for hypertension and angina. Monitor for peripheral edema and constipation. Amlodipine causes ankle swelling — reversible, not an allergy. Educate patient.
Statin (-statin)	HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor — lowers LDL cholesterol  Tip: Monitor liver enzymes and for muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis risk). Give at bedtime. Atorvastatin — ask about muscle tenderness and dark urine. Check CK levels.
Anticoagulant	Prevents blood clot formation through various mechanisms  Tip: Examples: warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), apixaban (Eliquis). Warfarin = check PT/INR. Heparin = check aPTT. Different labs for different anticoagulants — NCLEX favorite.
Warfarin (Coumadin)	Vitamin K antagonist — oral anticoagulant  Tip: Therapeutic INR: 2-3 for most indications. Antidote: Vitamin K. Patient teaching: consistent vitamin K intake, avoid cranberry, report bleeding. Many drug interactions.
Heparin	Parenteral anticoagulant — activates antithrombin III  Tip: Monitor aPTT (1.5-2.5x normal). Antidote: protamine sulfate. IV heparin = aPTT. SubQ heparin (prophylaxis) = no monitoring needed. Don't confuse the two.
Enoxaparin (Lovenox)	Low molecular weight heparin — more predictable anticoagulation  Tip: SubQ injection. No routine lab monitoring. Rotate injection sites. Do NOT aspirate or massage after Lovenox injection — increases bruising risk.
Insulin (Rapid-Acting)	Lispro, Aspart, Glulisine — onset 15 min, peak 1 hr  Tip: Give 15 min before meals. Only insulin safe for IV use (regular insulin). Lispro = 'listen' — onset is so fast you need the meal ready NOW. Check blood glucose before giving.
Metformin	Biguanide — first-line oral agent for type 2 diabetes  Tip: Decreases hepatic glucose production. Hold before contrast dye (48 hrs). Metformin + IV contrast = lactic acidosis risk. Hold and check renal function before restarting.
Opioid Analgesic	Binds mu opioid receptors — pain relief, sedation, respiratory depression  Tip: Examples: morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, oxycodone. Antidote: naloxone. ABC priority: respiratory depression is the life-threatening adverse effect. Check RR before and after administration.
Benzodiazepine	Enhances GABA — anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant  Tip: Examples: lorazepam, diazepam, midazolam. Antidote: flumazenil. Flumazenil can precipitate seizures — only use in controlled settings. Monitor respiratory status.
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)	First-line antidepressant — increases serotonin availability  Tip: Examples: fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram. Onset: 2-4 weeks. Serotonin syndrome risk when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Never abruptly discontinue — taper.
Diuretic (Loop)	Inhibits Na/K/Cl reabsorption in loop of Henle — potent diuresis  Tip: Example: furosemide (Lasix). Monitor K+ (hypokalemia), BP, daily weight, I&O. Furosemide = 'furo-squeeze-mide' — watch potassium drop. Give in morning to avoid nocturia.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretic	Blocks aldosterone — spares potassium while causing diuresis  Tip: Example: spironolactone. Monitor for hyperkalemia. Contraindicated with K+ supplements. Spironolactone saves K+ — don't also give K+ supplements. Don't confuse with loop diuretics that waste K+.
Digoxin	Cardiac glycoside — increases contractility, decreases conduction  Tip: Narrow therapeutic range: 0.5-2.0 ng/mL. Check apical pulse 1 min before. Digoxin toxicity: N/V, vision changes (yellow-green halos), bradycardia. Hold if pulse <60.
Nitroglycerin	Vasodilator — reduces preload and afterload  Tip: Used for angina. Sublingual q5min up to 3 doses. Store in dark glass. If pain unrelieved after 1 nitro dose — call 911. May cause headache and hypotension.
Albuterol	Beta-2 agonist — bronchodilator  Tip: Used for asthma/COPD exacerbation. Monitor for tachycardia and tremors. Rescue inhaler = albuterol. If using more than twice weekly for asthma — not well-controlled.
Antibiotic (Broad Spectrum)	Kills or inhibits bacteria across multiple classes  Tip: Always check culture & sensitivity and allergies before administering. Complete the full course even if feeling better. Monitor for C. diff (watery diarrhea). Superinfection risk.
Vancomycin	Glycopeptide antibiotic — treats MRSA and serious gram-positive infections  Tip: Monitor trough levels (10-20 mcg/mL). Red man syndrome with rapid infusion. 'Vanco-man' gets a red neck if you push too fast. Infuse over at least 60 minutes.
Aminoglycoside	Bactericidal antibiotic — treats gram-negative infections  Tip: Examples: gentamicin, tobramycin. Monitor peak/trough. Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Aminoglycosides = 'a-mean-o' — peak and trough levels are critical. Monitor BUN/Cr and hearing.
Insulin (Long-Acting)	Glargine, Detemir — basal insulin with no peak  Tip: Given once daily. Do NOT mix with other insulins in same syringe. Glargine = 'clear' insulin. Only insulin that is clear and long-acting. Provides 24-hour basal coverage.
Levothyroxine	Synthetic T4 — thyroid hormone replacement  Tip: Take on empty stomach 30-60 min before breakfast. Lifelong therapy. Dose may need adjustment with pregnancy, weight change. Morning administration. Report palpitations.
Prednisone	Corticosteroid — anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant  Tip: Taper, never abruptly stop. Monitor blood glucose, weight, mood. Long-term use → Cushing's syndrome, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, infection risk. TAPER — adrenal suppression.
Proton Pump Inhibitor (-prazole)	Irreversibly inhibits H+/K+ ATPase — reduces gastric acid  Tip: Examples: omeprazole, pantoprazole. Take 30-60 min before first meal. PPIs increase risk of C. diff, pneumonia, and fractures with long-term use. Shortest duration possible.
Epinephrine	Sympathomimetic — vasoconstrictor, bronchodilator, increases HR/contractility  Tip: First-line for anaphylaxis (IM) and cardiac arrest (IV). 1:1000 for IM (anaphylaxis), 1:10,000 for IV (code). Know the difference — NCLEX tests concentration.
Naloxone (Narcan)	Opioid antagonist — reverses respiratory depression  Tip: Give IV/IM/IN. May require repeat doses (short half-life). Patient will wake up in withdrawal — anticipate combative behavior. Re-dose if respiratory depression returns.
Potassium Chloride (KCl)	Electrolyte replacement for hypokalemia  Tip: NEVER push IV — must be diluted and infused slowly. Max rate 10 mEq/hr peripheral. KCl IV push = fatal dysrhythmia. Always on an infusion pump. Monitor cardiac rhythm during infusion.
Magnesium Sulfate	Electrolyte — used for hypomagnesemia, torsades, preterm labor, eclampsia  Tip: Monitor deep tendon reflexes, respiratory rate, urine output. MgSO4 toxicity: absent DTRs, RR <12, decreased LOC. Antidote: calcium gluconate.
Haloperidol (Haldol)	First-generation antipsychotic — dopamine antagonist  Tip: Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), QT prolongation, neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Haldol + EPS = treat with benztropine or diphenhydramine. NMS is a medical emergency — stop drug, cool patient.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)	Panel measuring RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets  Tip: WBC: infection/inflammation. Hgb/Hct: anemia or polycythemia. Platelets: bleeding risk. NCLEX: Know trends, not just single values. Neutropenic precautions if ANC <500.
Hemoglobin (Hgb)	Oxygen-carrying protein in RBCs — normal: M 13.5-17.5, F 12-16 g/dL  Tip: Low = anemia, hemorrhage, fluid overload. High = polycythemia, dehydration. Transfusion usually considered at Hgb <7-8 in stable patients. Check after each unit.
WBC (White Blood Count)	Measures immune cells — normal: 4,500-11,000/mcL  Tip: Elevated = infection, inflammation, leukemia. Low = immunosuppression, chemo. 'Left shift' = increased bands = active bacterial infection. Neutropenic precautions when ANC <500.
Platelets	Cell fragments essential for clotting — normal: 150,000-400,000/mcL  Tip: Low = bleeding risk (ITP, chemo, HIT). High = clotting risk. <50K = bleeding precautions. <20K = spontaneous bleeding risk. Check before invasive procedures.
BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel)	Measures glucose, calcium, electrolytes, BUN, creatinine  Tip: Screens kidney function, electrolyte balance, glucose. BMP = 8 tests. CMP = BMP + liver function + protein. Know which is which.
Sodium (Na+)	Major extracellular cation — normal: 135-145 mEq/L  Tip: Hyponatremia: confusion, seizures. Hypernatremia: thirst, restlessness. Correct sodium slowly — rapid correction of hyponatremia causes osmotic demyelination syndrome.
Potassium (K+)	Major intracellular cation — normal: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L  Tip: Hypokalemia: weakness, U-waves, arrhythmias. Hyperkalemia: peaked T-waves, muscle weakness. Hyperkalemia ECG changes = peaked T → lost P → wide QRS. Calcium gluconate stabilizes cardiac membrane.
Creatinine (Cr)	Waste product of muscle metabolism — normal: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL  Tip: Elevated = decreased kidney function. Used to calculate eGFR. Contrast dye and nephrotoxic drugs require baseline Cr. Rising Cr = acute kidney injury until proven otherwise.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)	Waste product of protein metabolism — normal: 7-20 mg/dL  Tip: Elevated in dehydration, renal failure, high-protein diet, GI bleed. BUN:Cr ratio >20:1 = pre-renal cause (dehydration). Ratio normal = intrinsic renal.
ABG (Arterial Blood Gas)	Measures oxygenation (PaO2), ventilation (PaCO2), acid-base (pH, HCO3)  Tip: pH 7.35-7.45, PaCO2 35-45, HCO3 22-26. ROME method: Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal. pH and PaCO2 opposite directions = respiratory problem.
Troponin	Cardiac biomarker — elevated with myocardial injury  Tip: Normal: <0.04 ng/mL. Trend over 3-6 hours. Troponin elevation ≠ always MI. Can be elevated in CHF, PE, sepsis, renal failure. Know the clinical context.
BNP (B-Type Natriuretic Peptide)	Released when ventricles are stretched — marker for heart failure  Tip: Normal: <100 pg/mL. >400 suggests CHF. BNP helps differentiate CHF vs COPD exacerbation causing dyspnea. High BNP = heart failure.
PT/INR	Measures extrinsic coagulation pathway — monitors warfarin  Tip: Normal PT: 11-13.5 sec. Therapeutic INR: 2-3 (most), 2.5-3.5 (mechanical valves). High INR = bleeding risk. Antidote: vitamin K (slow), FFP (fast). Patient teaching: consistent vitamin K intake.
aPTT	Partial Thromboplastin Time — monitors heparin therapy  Tip: Normal: 25-35 sec. Therapeutic: 1.5-2.5x normal. aPTT for Heparin (both have PTT in name — association trick). Protamine sulfate is antidote.
HbA1c	Glycosylated hemoglobin — average blood glucose over 2-3 months  Tip: Normal: <5.7%. Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%. Diabetes: ≥6.5%. Goal for most diabetics: <7%. Reflects long-term control, not a single-day reading.
Lipid Panel	Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides  Tip: High LDL = atherosclerosis risk. High HDL = protective. Fasting 9-12 hours before draw. Statins primarily target LDL reduction.
Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST)	ALT (liver-specific), AST (liver, heart, muscle) — markers of hepatocyte injury  Tip: ALT > AST = viral hepatitis. AST > ALT = alcoholic liver disease. Hepatotoxic drugs (acetaminophen, statins) require baseline and periodic LFT monitoring.
Blood Culture & Sensitivity	Identifies bacteria in bloodstream and which antibiotics will work  Tip: Draw BEFORE starting antibiotics when possible. Two sets from different sites. Never delay antibiotics for septic patient just to get cultures — but try to draw them first.
Urinalysis (UA)	Screens for UTI, kidney disease, diabetes  Tip: Leukocyte esterase + nitrites = likely UTI. Ketones + glucose = DKA. Clean-catch midstream for culture. Straight cath if patient cannot provide clean catch.
Glucose (Fasting)	Blood sugar after 8-hour fast — normal: 70-100 mg/dL  Tip: Fasting >126 on 2 occasions = diabetes. Bedside glucose checks guide insulin administration. Treat hypoglycemia (<70) with 15g fast-acting carbs.
Calcium (Ca2+)	Essential for bones, muscle contraction, nerve function — normal: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL  Tip: Hypocalcemia: Chvostek/Trousseau signs. Hypercalcemia: 'bones, stones, groans, psychiatric overtones.' Ionized calcium is the active form. Albumin affects total Ca — correct if albumin is low.
Magnesium (Mg2+)	Cofactor for 300+ enzymes — normal: 1.7-2.2 mg/dL  Tip: Low: hyperreflexia, tetany, torsades. High: absent DTRs, respiratory depression. Mg and K+ are linked — you can't correct hypokalemia until hypomagnesemia is fixed.
D-Dimer	Fibrin degradation product — elevated with clot formation/breakdown  Tip: Very sensitive but not specific for DVT/PE. Elevated in pregnancy, surgery, inflammation. Negative D-dimer = effectively rules out DVT/PE in low-risk patients. Positive = need imaging.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)	Inflammatory marker — elevated with infection, inflammation, autoimmune disease  Tip: High-sensitivity CRP used for cardiovascular risk assessment. CRP is non-specific — doesn't tell you WHERE the inflammation is, only that it's present.
Lactic Acid	Byproduct of anaerobic metabolism — marker of tissue hypoperfusion  Tip: Normal: <2 mmol/L. Elevated in sepsis, shock, tissue hypoxia. Elevated lactate in sepsis = tissue is not getting enough oxygen. Clearance is a resuscitation endpoint.
Myocardial Infarction (MI)	Death of myocardial tissue from prolonged ischemia  Tip: Chest pain (pressure/crushing), diaphoresis, N/V, radiation to jaw/left arm. MONA is outdated — current priority: O2 if hypoxic, aspirin, nitro, morphine for pain. 12-lead ECG within 10 minutes.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)	Heart's inability to pump adequately → fluid backup  Tip: Left-sided: pulmonary congestion (crackles, SOB). Right-sided: peripheral edema, JVD, ascites. 'L=Lungs, R=Rest of body.' Daily weights — 1kg gain in 24hrs = fluid retention. Low sodium diet.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)	Chaotic atrial electrical activity — irregularly irregular rhythm  Tip: Risk: stroke from atrial clot formation. Rate control vs rhythm control. Irregularly irregular + no P waves. Priority: stroke prevention (anticoagulation, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score).
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib)	Chaotic ventricular electrical activity — NO cardiac output  Tip: Pulseless, unresponsive. Immediate CPR and defibrillation. Coarse VFib = shockable. Fine VFib may look like asystole — when in doubt, check in 2 leads.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach)	Rapid ventricular rhythm >100 bpm  Tip: With pulse: cardioversion or antiarrhythmics. Without pulse: CPR and defibrillation. Sustained VTach = emergency. Monomorphic = same shape. Polymorphic (Torsades) = MgSO4.
