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

Metronidazole Flagyl Anti-infective 500 mg IVPB Q 8 hr

Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range

End of infusion Rapid 6-8 hours
Why is your patient getting this medication
Treatment of abdominal abscess that resulted from
surgery one month ago for diverticulitis.
Mechanism of action and indications
(Why med ordered)
Disrupts DNA and protein synthesis in susceptible
organisms.
Initial dose 12 mg/kg, then 7.5 mg/kg q 6-8 hr or 500 mg
q 6-8 hr (not to exceed 4g/day)
RATE OF ADMINISTRATION: Infuse over 60 min Q 8
hr.
For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
solutions
Flagyl IV TRU is prediluted and ready to use. Prefilled
plastic minibags should not be used in series
connections; air embolism may result. Crystals may
form during refrigeration but will dissolve when warmed
to room temp. Preparation of Flagyl IV, powder for
reconstitution requires a specific process. Do not use
aluminum needles or hubs; color will turn orange/rust.
Add 4.4 ml of sterile or bacteriostatic sterile water, or
0.9% or bacteriostatic 0.9% NaCl for injection (100
mg/ml). Dilute further to at least 8 mg/ml with 0.9%
NaCl, D5W, or LR. Neutralize solution with 5 mEq
sodium bicarbonate for each 500 mg.
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity to parabens (topical
only)
Common side effects
CNS: seizures, dizziness, headache. EENT: tearing
(topical only).GI: abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea,
diarrhea, dry mouth, furry tongue, vomiting. DERM:
rashes. LOCAL: phlebitis at IV site. NEURO: peripheral
neuropathy. MISC: superinfection.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Cimetidine may decrease the metabolism of
metronidazole.
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
May alter results of serum AST, ALT, and LDH tests.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Do not drink alcohol for at least 1 day following
treatment. May cause dizziness, lightheadedness.
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess for infection (vital signs,
appearance of wound, sputum, urine, and
stool; WBC) at beginning and throughout
therapy.
Assessment
Why would you hold or not give this
med?
Culture and sensitivity results indicate
this anti-infective would not be
effective against this type of infection.
Evaluation
Check after giving
Resolution of signs and
symptoms of infection.
Significant results should
be seen within 3 weeks.