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 antitussive
hydrocodone Lortab nonopioid and 5mg PO q4hr
opioid analgesics (1or 2)
Peak Onset Duration Normal Dosage range
30-60 min 10-30 min 4-6 hr 2.5-10 mg q 3-6hr

Why is your patient taking this medication? For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions
Pain

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

Used mainly in combination with nonopioid analygesics
(acetaminiphen/aspirin/ibuprofen) in the management of
moderate to severe pain. Antitussive (usually in combination
products with decongestants).
Bind opiate receptors in the CNS. Alter the perception of an
response to painful stimuli while producing generalizing
CNS depression.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hypersensitivity, pregnancy
Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen/aspirin/ibuprofen. Acetaminophen
should be avoided in patients with severe hepatic or renal disease.
Use cautiously in: Head trauma, Increased intracranial pressure; severe
renal, hepatic, or pulmonary disease, hypothyroidism, alcoholism.
Common side effects CNS: confusion, sedation, dysphoria, euphoria,
floating feeling, hallucinations, headache, unusual dreams. Blurred vision
diplopia, miosis. Respiratory depression, hypotension, bradycardia
constipation, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, sweating

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically) May cause increased plasma amylase and lipase concentrations

Alcohol, antihistamines, and sedative/hypnotics.

Administration of partial antagonist opioids.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Advise patient to take medication exactly as directed and not take more
than the recommended amount. May cause drowiness or dizziness. Call
for assistance when ambulating. Change positions slowly to minimize
orthostatic hypotension. Good oral hygiene may decrease dry mouth.

Nursing Process - Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
Assess BP, pulse and respirations this med?
Assess pain type, location, and intensity of Respirations <10/min Decrease in the severity of pain without a
pain (scale 1-10) unconsciousness alteration in the level of consciousness or
Cough: assess cough and lung sounds respiratory status
Suppression of nonproductive cough