NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

zolpidem Ambien sedative/hypnotics 10 mg PO HS (may repeat once)

Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
30 min-2 hr rapid 6-8 hr N/A

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

(Why med ordered)
Insomnia, Produces CNS depression by binding to GABA
receptors, Sedation and induction of sleep
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity, Sleep apnea, History of previous psychiatric
illness, suicide attempt, drug or alcohol abuse, OB, Pedi:
Pregnancy, lactation, or children (safety not established)
Common side effects
CNS: amnesia, daytime drowsiness, dizziness, "drugged" feeling,
GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, Misc: hypersensitivity reactions,
physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance,

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
↑ CNS depression may with sedative/hypnotics , alcohol,
phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants , opioid analgesics ,
or antihistamines
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess mental status, sleep patterns, and
potential for abuse prior to administration.
Prolonged use of >7-10 days may lead to physical
and psychological dependence. Limit amount of
drug available to the patient
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
none
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Tablets should be swallowed whole with full glass of water. For
faster onset of sleep, do not administer with or immediately after a
meal, May cause daytime drowsiness or dizziness. Advise patient
to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response
to this medication is known, Caution patient to avoid concurrent
use of alcohol or other CNS depressants
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Relief of insomnia
Assess patient for pain. Medicate as Assess alertness at time of peak
needed. Untreated pain decreases effect. Notify physician or other
sedative effects health care professional if desired
sedation does not occur