INDEX NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet

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

Generic Trade Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency
Name Name Anesthetic adjuncts 44mcg IV 15-20 min before surgery
lorazepam Ativan antianxiety agents 1-3mg PO 2-3 times daily
sedative/hypnotics 2-4mg PO at bedtime
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions
PO 1-6 hr 15-60 min 8-12 hr
IV 15-20 min 15-30 min 8-12 hr
Why is your patient taking this medication?

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

Adjunct management of anxiety or insomnia. Preoperative
sedation. Decreases preoperative anxiety and provides
amnesia
Depresses the CNS, probably by potentiating GABA, an
inhibitory neurotransmitter
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Comatose patients, pre-exisiting CNS depression. Uncontrolled severe
pain. Narrow-angle glaucoma, severe hypotension, pregnancy
Use cautiously: Severe hepatic/renal/pulmonary impairment. Myasthenia
gravis. History of suicide attempt or drug abuse
Common side effects
Dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, hangover headache, mental depression,
blurred vision, respiratory depression, constipation
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, apena, cardiac arrest, bradycardia
hypotension, rashes

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Additive CNS depression with other CNS depressants
including alcohol, antihistamines, antidepressants, opioid
analygesics, and other sedative/hypnotics Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Take medication exactly as directed, avoid driving, taking alcohol,
or other CNS depressants, follow-up exams

Nursing Process - Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
Anxiety, Status Epilepticus this med? Increase in sense of well-being
Vital Signs Apena, cardiac arrest Reduction of preoperative anxiety
Postoperative amnesia
Improvement of sleep patterns