NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Acetaminophen Tylenol Antipyretic, 650 mg PO PRN every 4 to 6 hours
nonopioid analgesics
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
1 to 3 hours 0.5 to 1 hour 3 to 8 hours N/A

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

(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Mild pain, fever. Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins that may Previous hypersensitivity, products containing alcohol, aspartame,
serve as mediators of pain and fever, primarily in the CNS. Has no saccharin, sugar, or tartrazine, should be avoided.
significant anti-inflammatory properties or GI toxicity.

Common side effects

Hepatic failure, hepatotoxicity, renal failure, neutropenia, pancytopenia,
leucopenia, rash, urticaria.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Increase risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Increase risk of NSAID adverse renal effects—aspirin and ibuprofen
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Evaluate hepatic, hematologic, and renal function periodically during
prolonged high dose therapy. May alter results of glucose monitoring,
falsely decrease values. Increased serum bilirubin, LDH, AST, ALT, and
prothrombin time may indicate hepatotoxicity.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Take as directed, avoid alcohol, may alter blood glucose reading, check
labels on all OTC medications, consult professional if fever and
discomfort not relieved.

Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Overall health status and alcohol use. Assess other med? Assess pain and location.
drugs being used by patient. Assess pain and location. History of alcohol abuse, or malnurishment. Assess relief of pain and fever.