EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE

1113-1117 San Marcelino St. cor. Gonzales St,.

Ermita, Manila
Tel. # 521 2710 loc. 5432, 5518

School of Nursing
DRUG STUDY
Name of Student:
Patient:
Diagnosis:

Medication
Brand Name:
Decadron

Generic Name:
dexamethasone

Dosage:
50 mg

Frequency:

Once a day

Mechanism of
Action
Dexamethasone
is a
glucocorticoid
agonist. For
modification of
transcription
and, hence,
protein
synthesis in
order to achieve
inhibition of
leukocyte
infiltration at
the site of
inflammation,
interference in
the function of
mediators of
inflammatory
response,
suppression of
humoral
immune
responses, and
reduction in
edema or scar
tissue.

Adverse Effects

Increased
appetite
Irritability
Difficulty
sleeping
(insomnia)
Swelling in
your ankles
and feet (fluid
retention)
Heartburn
Muscle
weakness
Impaired
wound
healing
Increased
blood sugar
levels

Indication
The patient is
undergoing
chemotherapy
regimen so this
drug is used
totreat the
cancer itself
alongside her
chemo. To
stimulate her
appetite.
Reduce
inflammation.
It is also used
to treat her
nausea and
vomiting
associated with
her
chemotherapy
drugs

Nursing
Responsibilities
>Monitor intake
and output of
patient.
>Observe the
patient for
peripheral edema,
steady weight gain,
rales or crackles or
dyspnea.
>Instruct patient to
avoid people with
known infection
and contagious
illnesses as
corticosteroids
causes
immunosuppression
and may mask
symptoms of
infection.
>Administer with
meals to minimize
GI irritation.

Route:
Intravenous