NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Bisacodyl Bisaco-Lax Stimulant laxative 10 mg rectal PRN every day

Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
Unknown 15 to 60 minutes unknown N/A

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

(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Treatment of constipation. Evacuation of the bowel before Hypersensitivity abdominal pain, obstruction, nausea or vomiting,
radiologic studies or surgery. Part of a bowel regimen in spinal cord
injury patients.
Stimulates peristalsis. Alters fluid and electrolyte transport,
producing fluid accumulation in the color.
Common side effects
Ordered for: constipation Abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, rectal burning, hypokalemia,
muscle weakness

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically) N/A
Antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, gastric pump inhibitors
Milk
may decrease absorption of other orally administered medications Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
because of increased motility and decreased transit time.
Other bowel stimulants medication
Only use for short term therapy, increase fluid intake to at least 1500 to
2000 ml a day, encourage to use other forms of bowel regulation, should
not use when constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain, fever,
nausea, or vomiting.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Assess for abdominal distention, bowel sounds and med? Assess amount, consistency, and
usual pattern of bowel elimination. Allergies or when patient is regular color of stool produced.
with bowel elimination.