NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

propoxyphene  Name opioid analgesics 100 mg PO q 4 hours PRN
napsylate/acetaminophen Darvocet-N

Peak Onset Duration Normal dose range:

2-3 hr 15-60 min 4-6 hr 100 mg q 4 hr
acetaminophen or aspirin dosage should not exceed 4 g/day
Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Mild to moderate pain Hypersensitivity, Hypothyroidism,
Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS
Alters the perception of and response to painful stimuli, while Common side effects
producing generalized CNS depression dizziness, weakness, nausea

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines
(ask patient specifically)
↑ CNS depression with
antidepressants , and sedative/hypnotics, Smoking ↑ metabolism
and may decrease analgesic effectiveness, Nalbuphine ,
buprenorphine , or pentazocine may ↓ analgesia
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess type, location, and intensity of pain prior to and 2
hr (peak) following administration.
Assess bowel function routinely. Prevention of
constipation should be instituted with increased intake of
fluids and bulk, and laxatives to minimize constipating
effects. Stimulant laxatives should be administered
routinely if opioid use exceeds 2-3 days, unless
contraindicated
monitor closely and assess falls risk
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
May cause ↑ serum amylase and lipase levels, May cause ↑
AST, ALT, serum alkaline phosphatase, LDH, and bilirubin
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Instruct patient on how and when to ask for pain medication
Encourage patient to turn, cough, and breathe deeply every
2 hr to prevent atelectasis
Advise patient to change positions slowly to minimize
orthostatic hypotension
Advise patient that good oral hygiene, frequent mouth
rinses, and sugarless gum or candy may decrease dry
mouth
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
this med? Decrease in severity of pain
Assess blood pressure, pulse, and without a significant alteration
respirations before and periodically in level of consciousness
during administration. If respiratory
rate is <10/min, assess level of
sedation. Physical stimulation may be
sufficient to prevent significant
hypoventilation. Dose may need to be
decreased by 25-50%. Initial
drowsiness will diminish with
continued use