Bellin College Medication Flow Sheet

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Student:
Classification Generic / Trade Name furosemide (LASIX) Action & Reason this Client Taking Action: Enhances excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium by direct action at ascending limb of loop of Henle. Reason taking: Lowers B/P, helps with edema. Dose (usual /prescribed) & Route, Onset, Peak, Duration Dose: usual- 10-40 mg Prescribed: 1 split 10mg tablet daily. Route: Oral Onset: 30-60 min Peak: 1-2 hours Duration: 6-8 hours

Room #:
Side & Toxic Effects Client Response

Date:
Nursing Considerations and Teaching

Side effects: FREQUENT: Nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal cramps, diarrhea or constipation, electrolyte disturbances. OCCASIONAL: Dizziness, light-headedness, headache, blurred vision, paresthesia, photosensitivity, rash, fatigue, bladder spasm, restlessness, diaphoresis. RARE: Flank pain. Toxic effects: Vigorous diuresis may lead to profound water loss/electrolyte depletion, resulting in hypokalemia, hyponatremia, dehydration. Sudden volume depletion may result in increased risk of thrombosis, circulatory collapse, sudden death. Acute hypotensive episodes may occur, sometimes several days after beginning therapy. Ototoxicity (deafness, vertigo, tinnitus) may occur, esp. in pts with severe renal impairment. Can exacerbate diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, pancreatitis. Blood dyscrasias have been reported.

Nursing considerations: Check vital signs, esp. B/P for hypotension before administration. Assess baseline serum electrolytes, esp. for hypokalemia. Assess skin turgor, mucous membranes for hydration status; observe for edema. Assess muscle strength, mental status. Note skin temperature, moisture. Obtain baseline weight. Initiate I&O monitoring. Patient teaching: Expect increased frequency, volume of urination. Report palpitations, signs of electrolyte imbalances (noted previously), hearing abnormalities (sense of fullness in ears, tinnitus). Eat foods high in potassium such as whole grains (cereals), legumes, meat, bananas, apricots, orange juice, potatoes (white, sweet), raisins. Avoid sunlight, sunlamps.