NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Corticosteroids Prednisone Antiasthmatics, 20 mg PO Q Day
corticosteroids
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
Unknown 1 hr 1.25-1.5 5-60 mg/day single or divided dose for most uses.
days
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
N/A

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

(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Suppression of inflammation and the normal immune Active untreated infections. Known alcohol, bisulfate, or
response. Prednisone has minimal mineralocorticoid tartrazine hypersensitivity or intolerance.
activity. Common side effects
Side effects are much more common with high-dose long
term therapy. Depression, euphoria, headache, personality
changes, restlessness, hypertension, anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, decreased wound healing, muscle wasting,
osteoporosis, cushingoid appearance (moon face, buffalo
hump)
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically) Monitor serum electrolytes and glucose. May cause
Increased risk of hypokalemia with loop diuretics. hyperglycemia. Guaiac-test stools May increase serum
cholesterol and lipid values. May decrease uptake of thyroid.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Teach patient correct technique of medication
administration. Take meds as directed. Do not stop suddenly
may result in adrenal insufficiency. Avoid places with
known contagious illnesses due to immunosupression.
Discuss effects on body image. Long term therapy advise
patient to eat a diet high in protein, calcium and potassium
and low in sodium and carbohydrates.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Assess involved systems before med? Decrease in presenting
administration. Assess for signs of adrenal Signs or symptoms of adrenal symptoms with minimal side
insufficiency. Monitor I & O. insufficiency. effects. Supression of the
Hypersensitivity inflammatory and immune
responses.