NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Classification Dose Route Time/frequency:

Verapamil Name antianginals, 240 mg po Q am 0700
Calan SR antiarrhythmics Dose Range: Rate of Administration (IV):
(class IV), 120-240 mg/day N/A
antihypertensives, as a single dose;
vascular headache may be
suppressants, increased as
calcium channel needed (range
blockers 240-480
mg/day)
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds
30-90 min 1-2 hr 3-7 hr 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
Inhibits the transport of calcium into myocardial and Hypersensitivity, sick sinus syndrome, 2nd- or 3rd-degree
vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in inhibition of AV block (unless an artificial pacemaker is in place), BP <90
excitation-contraction coupling and subsequent mmHg, CHF, severe ventricular dysfunction, or cardiogenic
contraction, Decreases SA and AV conduction and shock, unless associated with supraventricular
prolongs AV node refractory period in conduction tissue. tachyarrhythmias, concurrent IV beta blocker therapy,
Hypertension geriatric patients (dosage reduction/slower IV infusion rates
recommended for most agents; increased risk of
hypotension)
Common side effects
Dyspnea, arrhythmias, CHF, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
None known
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Total serum calcium concentrations are not affected by
calcium channel blockers. Monitor serum potassium
periodically. Hypokalemia increases the risk of arrhythmias
and should be corrected. Monitor renal and hepatic functions
periodically during long-term therapy. May cause increase in
hepatic enzymes after several days of therapy, which return
to normal on discontinuation of therapy.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Advise patient to take medication exactly as directed, even if
feeling well. If a dose is missed, take as soon as possible
unless almost time for next dose; do not double doses. May
need
a to be discontinued gradually,
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Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
Monitor blood pressure and pulse before this med? Decrease in blood pressure
therapy, during dosage titration, and Heart rate < 50 bpm
periodically throughout therapy. Monitor
ECG periodically during prolonged therapy.
Verapamil may cause prolonged PR interval,
Monitor intake and output ratios and daily
weight. Assess for signs of CHF (peripheral
edema, rales/crackles, dyspnea, weight gain,
jugular venous distention)