Lippincotts Drugs to Know for the NCLEX

How to use this book: Studying for NCLEX® medication-related
questions
Lippincott’s Drugs to Know for the NCLEX-RN ® is designed as a quick and easy review to use when
studying for the NCLEX-RN. Overall, the NCLEX-RN examination assesses the nurse’s knowledge
and skills that are crucial for meeting the client’s needs, with the goal of promoting, maintaining, and
restoring the client’s health. One significant category included in the NCLEX-RN examination is
pharmacological and parenteral therapies, which assesses the nurse’s skill and knowledge in
administering medications and parenteral therapies.
This versatile book provides a straightforward way to enhance your study for the pharmacological
category of the NCLEX-RN. Covering more than 300 key medications, it is organized alphabetically
by drug class and then by drugs within each class. Each individual drug is described on its own page
in a consistent format, including the drug’s pronunciation, trade and brand names, and a focus on key
points covered by the NCLEX-RN: Indications, Action, Adverse Reactions, Nursing Considerations,
and Patient Teaching. Patient safety is also addressed (pay particular attention to the five appendices
for this information). If you encounter an unfamiliar abbreviation in the drug entries, refer to the
Guide to abbreviations on page vii. Because all of the text has been reviewed by a clinical expert,
you can be sure that the information provided is up-to-date and clinically accurate.
The NCLEX-RN exam questions require the nurse to demonstrate the principles of clinical
decision making and critical thinking as they apply to nursing practice. Specifically, as described by
the NCLEX exam makers themselves, the pharmacology-related questions assess the nurse’s ability to
identify a contraindication to the administration of a medication to the client.
identify actual and potential incompatibilities of prescribed client medications.
identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction (for example, to medications).
assess the client for actual or potential side effects and adverse effects of medications.
provide information to the client on common side effects, adverse effects, and potential interactions
of medications, and when to notify the primary health care provider.
educate the client on medication self-administration procedures.
educate the client about medications.
prepare and administer medications, using rights of medication administration.
review pertinent data prior to medication administration (for example, vital signs, lab results,
allergies, and potential interactions).
use clinical decision making and critical thinking when addressing expected effects and outcomes of
medications.
With Lippincott’s Drugs to Know for the NCLEX-RN ® , you can review with confidence for that
last step to licensure, the NCLEX-RN. Please note, however, that this book is intended to serve as a
study aid only. Because of the abbreviated information contained within, it shouldn’t be used as a
guide to clinical practice.