NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen Lortab opioid agonists/nonopioid 5/500mg tabs; PO PRN q 3-4hours
analgesic combinations give one to two
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
30-60 min 10-30 min 4-6 hr Analgesic-2.5-10 mgq 3-6 hours, acetaminophen should
not exceed 4g per day
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Chest pain r/t pleural effusion N/A

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

(Why med ordered)
Bind to opiate receptors in the CNS. Alter the perception
of and response to painful stimuli while producing
generalized CNS depression. Indicated for pain.
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
None known
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess blood pressure, pulse, and respirations before and
periodically during administration. Assess type, location,
and intensity of pain prior to and 1 hr (peak) following
administration.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen.
Do not give more than 4 grams of acetaminophen in a 24 hour
period.
Common side effects
confusion, sedation, hypotension, constipation
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
May cause increased plasma amylase and lipase 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 ambulatingAdvise 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
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
this med? Decrease in severity of pain
Pt reports no pain or has respirations less without a significant alteration in
than 12 per minute. level of consciousness or
respiratory status