NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets
(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)
Generic Name Trade Name Classification
furosemide Lasix loop diuretics
Peak Onset
1-2 hr 30-60 min
Mechanism of action and indications
(Why med ordered)
CHF
Inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the loop
of Henle and distal renal tubule
Increases renal excretion of water, sodium, chloride,
magnesium, hydrogen, and calcium
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
↑ hypotension with antihypertensives , nitrates
↑ risk of hypokalemia with other diuretics, laxatives
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess fluid status during therapy. Monitor daily
weight, intake and output ratios, amount and
location of edema, lung sounds, skin turgor, and
mucous membranes. Notify physician or other
health care provider if thirst, dry mouth, lethargy,
weakness, hypotension, or oliguria occurs
Dose Route Time/frequency
20 mg Po qD
80 mg q as x’s 10 days
Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
6-8 hr
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Geriatric patients may have increased risk of side effects,
especially hypotension and electrolyte imbalance, at usual doses
Common side effects
dehydration, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia,
hyponatremia, hypovolemia, metabolic alkalosis,
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Monitor electrolytes, renal and hepatic function, serum glucose,
and uric acid levels before and periodically throughout therapy.
May cause ↓ serum potassium, calcium, and magnesium
concentrations. May also cause ↑ BUN, serum glucose, creatinine,
and uric acid levels
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Caution patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic
hypotension.
Instruct patient to consult health care professional regarding a diet
high in potassium
Caution older patients or their caregivers about increased risk for
falls. Suggest strategies for fall prevention
Advise patient to contact health care professional immediately if
muscle weakness, cramps, nausea, dizziness, numbness, or
tingling of extremities occurs
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Decrease in edema
Monitor blood pressure and pulse before Decrease in abdominal girth
and during administration. Monitor Increase in urinary output
frequency of prescription refills to Decrease in blood pressure
determine compliance in patients treated Decrease in serum calcium when
for hypertension used to manage hypercalcemia
Diuretic use is associated with increased
risk for falls in older adults. Assess falls
risk and implement fall prevention
strategies
Assess patient for tinnitus and hearing
loss.
Assess for allergy to sulfonamides