Adrianne Bazo

October 21, 2008

Clinical Medications Worksheet

Generic Name Trade Classification Dose Route Time/frequency
Hydrocodone/acetaminophen Name opioid 7.5/550 PO Q 4˚ PRN
Lortab agonists/nonopioid 1-2 tab
analgesic
combinations
Peak Onset Duration Normal dose range
30-60 min 10-30 min 4-6 hr 2.5-10 mg q 3-6 hr as needed; if using combination
products, acetaminophen or aspirin dosage should not
exceed 4 g/day
Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Bind to opiate receptors in the CNS. Alter the perception of and Hypersensitivity, hypothyroidism
response to painful stimuli while producing generalized CNS
depression Common side effects
confusion, sedation, hypotension, constipation
Moderate pain
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines Lab value alterations caused by medicine
(ask patient specifically) May cause increased plasma amylase and lipase
Lorazepam concentrations
Be sure to teach the patient the following
about this medication
Advise patient to take medication exactly as directed
and not to take more than the recommended amount.
Severe and permanent liver damage may result from
prolonged use or high doses of acetaminophen. Renal
damage may occur with prolonged use of
acetaminophen or aspirin. Doses of nonopioid agents
should not exceed the maximum recommended daily
dose
Instruct patient on how and when to ask for pain
medication
May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Advise patient to
call for assistance when ambulating
Advise patient to change positions slowly to minimize
orthostatic hypotension
Encourage patient to turn, cough, and breathe deeply
every 2 hr to prevent atelectasis
Advise patient that good oral hygiene, frequent mouth
rinses, and sugarless gum or candy may decrease dry
mouth
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this
Assess blood pressure, pulse, and respirations before and med? Check after giving
periodically during administration. Before administering, clarify all Decrease in severity of
Assess type, location, and intensity of pain prior to and 1 hr ambiguous orders; have second pain without a
(peak) following administration. practitioner independently check significant alteration in
original order and dose calculations, level of consciousness
If respiratory rate is <10/min, assess or respiratory status
level of sedation. Physical stimulation
may be sufficient to prevent
significant hypoventilation. Reports
no pain