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

Cholestyramine LoCHOLEST Lipid-lowering 4g PO BID
Prevalite, agents
Questran
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
1-3 weeks 24-48 hrs 2-4 weeks 4 g 1-2 times daily may be increased as needed/tolerated up
to 24 g /day
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Treatment of hypercholesterolemia N/A

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

(Why med ordered)
Bind bile acids in the GI tract, forming an insoluble
complex. Result is increased clearance of cholesterol.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity. Complete biliary obstruction.
Common side effects
Irritation of the tongue, abdominal discomfort, constipation,
nausea.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically) May cause increase in AST, ALT, phosphorus, chloride, and
May decrease absorption/effects of orally administerd alkaline phosphatase and a decrease in serum calcium,
acetaminophen. sodium, and potassium levels.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Take meds exactly as ordered, don’t double doses. Take
medication before meals mix with 4-6 oz water, milk, fruit
juice, or other noncarbonated beverages.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Obtain a diet history. Assess severity of itching med? Decrease in serum low-density
and skin integrity. Assess for diarrhea Hypersensitivity lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
Decrease in the severity of
pruritus.