NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

atorvastatin Lipitor CAD Lipid lowering 10 mg PO Every night
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
N/A N/A 20-30 hrs N/A
(Why med ordered) Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Primary prevention of cardiac Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Disease.
Hypersensitivity, use cautiously in pts with liver problems.
Mechanism of action and
indications Common side effects
Inhibit an enzyme (HMG-CoA) Dizziness, headaches, insomnia, weakness, chest pain, peripheral
reductase, which is responsible for edema, blurred vision.
catalyzing an early step in the
synthesis of cholesterol.
Interactions with other patient Lab value alterations caused by medicine
drugs, OTC or herbal medicines
(ask patient specifically) Evaluate serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels before initiating, 4-
6 weeks of therapy, and periodically after. Monitor liver function
Pt on …… I see no known drug tests, including AST.
interactions …. Possible grapefruit
juice …. Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Take at same time each day before bedtime that the pills should not
be broken or crushed or chewed because there extended release
capsules.

Nursing Process- Assessment Evaluation

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
(Pre-administration med? Check for increases in HDL’s and
assessment) Obtain a If patient develops muscle tenderness Decreases in LDL’s and for
dietary history, during therapy. Monitor CK levels. IF decreases in triglyceride levels.
especially with regard CK levels are >10 times the upper limit
to fat consumption. of normal or if myopathy occurs. Therapy
should be discontinued.