NCM106 - Pharmacology

Module 2.1 Nursing Process Focus: Care Patients Receiving Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor: Acetazolamide
NAME: BLOCK:
DATE OF SUBMISSION:
CYCLE AND SCHEDULE:

Classification of the Drug: Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitor, Diuretic

Common Indications of the Drug: Adjunctive treatment of chronic open angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma;
Edema caused by heart failure, drug-induced edema
Common Brand Names: Diamox Sequels

Assessment Possible Nursing Diagnoses

History: Allergy to acetazolamide, antibacterial sulfonamides, or
thiazides; history of chronic noncongestive angle-closure
glaucoma; fluid or electrolyte imbalance; renal or hepatic disease;
adrenocortical insufficiency; respiratory acidosis; COPD; lactation
Physical: assess for Skin color, lesions; edema,
weight, orientation, reflexes, liver evaluation, bowel sounds,
urinary output patterns; CBC, serum electrolytes, LFTs, renal
function tests, urinalysis
Deficient knowledge r/t drug therapy
Possible Complications:
 CNS: weakness, fatigue, nervousness,
sedation
 GI: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation,
melena
 GU: Hematuria, glycosuria, urinary
frequency, renal colic, renal calculi

Planning: Patient Outcomes

The patient will demonstrate an understanding of the drug action by accurately describing drug side effects and
drug action
The patient will immediately report any allergic reactions or adverse reactions while taking this drug

Implementation
Interventions with Rationales
 Administer this drug with food or milk if GI
upset occurs
 Obtain regular weight to monitor fluid
changes
 Monitor serum electrolytes and acid-base
balance during course of drug therapy
 Administer by direct IV if parenteral use is
necessary, IM use is painful
Patient Education/Discharge Planning
 Instruct pt to take drug with meals if GI upset
occurs.
 Instruct pt to weigh pt on a regular basis at the
same time of the day and in the same time of
the day and in the same clothing. Record
weight on calendar
 Instruct pt to report weight change of more
than 3lbs in a day, unusual bleeding or
bruising, sore throat, dizziness, trembling,
numbness. Fatigue, muscle weakness or
cramps, flank or loin pain, rash

Evaluation of Outcome Criteria (Met, Partially met, Not met)

Goal was met

The patient was able to demonstrate an understanding of the drug action by accurately describing drug side
effects and drug action
The patient reported no signs of any allergic reactions or adverse reactions while taking this drug

Reference:
NPF Drug Study No. 1