Clinical Medications Worksheets

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Methylprednisolone Solu-medrol Corticosteroids 40 mg IVP BID
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
Unknown rapid unknown 40-250 mg q 4-6 hr.

Why is your patient getting this medication
Suppression of inflammation and modification of the
normal immune response
Mechanism of action and indications
(Why med ordered)
agents suppress inflammation and the normal immune
response
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically)
May ↓ effects of insulin, may decrease salicylate and
isoniazid levels and effectiveness.
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
solutions
Rate: Low dose (< 1.8 mg/kg or < 125 mg/dose): May be
administered direct IV push over 1 to several minute
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Active untreated infections. Caution with long term use
Common side effects
Depression, euphoria, hypertension, anorexia, nausea,
acne, decreased wound healing, ecchymoses, fragility,
hirsutism, petechiae, adrenal suppression, muscle wasting,
osteoporosis, long term use may cause moon face and
buffalo hump.
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Monitor serum electrolytes and glucose. May cause
hyperglycemia, especially in persons with diabetes. May cause
hypokalemia. Patients on prolonged therapy should routinely
have hematologic values, serum electrolytes, and serum and
urine glucose evaluated. May ↓ WBCs. May cause
hyperglycemia, especially in persons with diabetes. May ↓
serum potassium and calcium and ↑ serum sodium
concentrations
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Corticosteroids cause immunosuppression and may mask
symptoms of infection. Instruct patient to avoid people with
known contagious illnesses and to report possible infections
immediately. Patient should also report unusual swelling, weight
gain, tiredness, bone pain, bruising, nonhealing sores, visual
disturbances, or behavior changes. carry identification
describing disease process and medication regimen in the event
of emergency in which patient cannot relate medical history
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Decrease in presenting
Assess patient for signs of adrenal symptoms with minimal
insufficiency (hypotension, weight loss, systemic side effects
weakness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia,
lethargy, confusion, restlessness) before
and periodically during therapy
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