NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

lorazepam Ativan Benzodiazepines 0.5 mg PO at hour of sleep
antianxiety agents,
sedative/hypnotics
Peak Onset Duration Normal dose range
1-6 hr 15-60 min 8-12 hr 0.25-1 mg initially, increased as needed

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

(Why med ordered)
Adjunct management of anxiety or insomnia
Depresses the CNS, probably by potentiating GABA, an
inhibitory neurotransmitter
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity, Cross-sensitivity with other benzodiazepines may
exist, Severe hepatic/renal/pulmonary impairment, Geri: Lower
doses recommended for geriatric or debilitated patients
Common side effects
dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
None for this pt
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Patients on high-dose therapy should receive routine evaluation of
renal, hepatic, and hematologic function
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
May cause drowsiness or dizziness

Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess BP and patients level of sedation
Why would you hold or not give this
med?
Troublesome occurrence of adverse
side effects, hypotension, sedation
Check after giving
Improvement in sleep patterns.
Need for continued therapy
should be re-evaluated regularly.
Minimum effective dose should be
used