Clinical Medications Worksheet

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Silver sulfadiazine Silvadene Anti-infectives (topical) inexact topical bid
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
unknown On contact As long as Apply 1% cream 1-2 times daily in layer 1.5-mm thick
applied
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
Prevention and treatment of wound sepsis in patients solutions
with 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns. N/A

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

(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Studies utilizing radioactive micronized silver Hypersensitivity (cross-sensitivity with sulfonamides may
sulfadiazine, electron microscopy, and biochemical occur), Impaired hepatic or renal function.
techniques have revealed that the mechanism of Common side effects
action of silver sulfadiazine on bacteria differs from No common or life-threatening side effects
silver nitrate and sodium sulfadiazine. Silver
sulfadiazine acts only on the cell membrane and cell
wall to produce its bactericidal effect.
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or Lab value alterations caused by medicine
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) Monitor renal function studies and CBC periodically when
None for this patient applied to large area, because systemic absorption may
cause nephritis and reversible leukopenia. Decrease in
neutrophil count is greatest 4 days after initiation of
therapy; levels usually normalize after 2-3 days.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Explain purpose of medication to patient and family. This
medication will not stain skin.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Assess burned tissue for infection med? Prevention and treatment of
(purulent discharge, excessive moisture, Hypersensitivity reaction (rash, infection in 2nd- and 3rd-
odor, and culture results) and sepsis itching, or burning) at and surrounding degree burns. Therapy is
(WBC, fever, or shock) prior to and sites of application. continued until burn is
throughout course of therapy. healed or skin graft is
performed.