NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Name Trade Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen Name opioid 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
Moderate pain confusion, sedation, hypotension, constipation

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
nalbuphine 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 med?
Assess blood pressure, pulse, and respirations before and periodically Before administering, clarify all ambiguous Check after giving
during administration. orders; have second practitioner Decrease in severity of pain
Assess type, location, and intensity of pain prior to and 1 hr (peak) independently check original order and dose without a significant
following administration. calculations, alteration in level of
Assess bowel function routinely. Prevention of constipation should be If respiratory rate is <10/min, assess level of consciousness or respiratory
instituted with increased intake of fluids and bulk, and laxatives to sedation. Physical stimulation may be status
minimize constipating effects. Stimulant laxatives should be administered sufficient to prevent significant
routinely if opioid use exceeds 2-3 days, unless contraindicated hypoventilation. Reports no pain