NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Standardized Senokot-S / laxative 2 tabs po Twice a day
senna Peri-Colace
concentrate 8.6
mg + docusate
sodium 50 mg
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
unknown 6-12 hrs 3-4 days N/A

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

(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Promotes incorporation of water into stool, resulting in softer Hypersensitivity, Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, especially
fecal mass, May also promote electrolyte and water secretion when associated with fever or other signs of an acute abdomen,
into the colon Excessive or prolonged use may lead to dependence
constipation Common side effects
mild cramps

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
none
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
None Known
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Advise patients that laxatives should be used only for short-term
therapy. Long-term therapy may cause electrolyte imbalance and
dependence, Encourage patients to use other forms of bowel
regulation, such as increasing bulk in the diet, increasing fluid
intake (6-8 full glasses/day), and increasing mobility. Normal bowel
habits are variable and may vary from 3 times/day to 3 times/wk,
Instruct patients with cardiac disease to avoid straining during
bowel movements (Valsalva maneuver), Advise patient not to use
laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever is
present,
Advise patient not to take docusate within 2 hr of other laxatives

Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess for abdominal distention, presence of
bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel
function, Assess color, consistency, and amount of
stool produced
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? A soft, formed bowel movement.
when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,
or fever is present, when client not
constipated