Pentobarbital (Nembutal) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name Pentobarbital Trade/Brand Name Nembutal Indication Short term management of insomnia Anesthesia Emergency treatment of seizures Action Depress sensory cortex, motor activity Alters cerebellar function Produces drowsiness, sedation, hypnosis Therapeutic Class Sedative Hypnotic Anticonvulsant Pharmacologic Class Short-acting barbiturate Nursing Considerations High doses can cause death Contraindicated Hypersensitivity Porphyria Monitor Hemodynamics Respiratory status Mechanical ventilation […]
Propofol (Diprivan) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name propofol Trade Name Diprivan Indication anesthesia, induction, sedation, Action hypnotic, produces amnesia with no analgesic properties Therapeutic Class general anesthetic Pharmacologic Class none Nursing Considerations • use cautiously with CVD, lipid disorder, increased ICP • can cause apnea, bradycardia, hypotension • burning and pain at insertion site • can turn urine green • […]
Lidocaine (Xylocaine) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name Lidocaine Trade/Brand Name Xylocaine Indication Surgical procedures required local or regional anesthetic Treatment of irregular heart rhythms in emergency situations Action Blocks influx of sodium ions into surrounding membranes Prevents conduction of impulses along nerve Therapeutic Class Local anesthetic Regional anesthetic Antiarrhythmic – Class 1b Pharmacologic Class Amide anesthetic Nursing Considerations Use caution […]
Antianxiety Meds
Overview Anti-anxiety meds (anxiolytics) depress CNS which increases GABA, therefore producing a relaxation effect. Most common = Benzodiazepines Nursing Points General Benzodiazepines Reduce anxiety Anticonvulsant Sedative effect Nursing Considerations General interventions Caution: Elderly Avoid ETOH – enhances sedative effect Glaucoma Increases fall risk Safety first – sedative effects Drug-drug Interactions Notify MD before starting […]
Magnesium Sulfate in Pregnancy
Overview Used as an anticonvulsant in the pregnant patient Decreases risk of preeclampsia from turning into eclampsia Has been used as a tocolytic, but research shows there are other more effective options May suppress uterine contractions in the laboring patient Nursing Points General If given in an actively seizing patient, it is an emergency. […]
Ketorolac (Toradol) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name ketorolac Trade Name Toradol Indication pain Action pain relief due to prostaglandin inhibition by blocking of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) Therapeutic Class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, nonopioid analgesics Pharmacologic Class pyrroziline carboxylic acid Nursing Considerations • may cause GI bleeding, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, anaphylaxis, drowsiness • should not exceed 5 days of therapy • bleeding […]
Methylergonovine (Methergine) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name methylergonovine Trade Name Methergine Indication treatment of post-partum hemorrhage Action stimulates uterine muscles causing uterine contraction Therapeutic Class oxytocic Pharmacologic Class ergot alkaloids Nursing Considerations • can cause hypertension, cramps, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea • monitor BP, heart rate, uterine response • assess calcium levels – effectiveness ↓ with hypocalcemia • monitor uterine bleeding […]
Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name hydrocodone/acetaminophen Trade Name Vicodin, Lortab, Norco Indication management of moderate to severe pain Action alters the perception and reaction to pain by binding to opiate receptors in the CNS, also suppresses the cough reflex Therapeutic Class opioid Analgesic, allergy, cold and cough remedies, antitussive Pharmacologic Class opioid agonists, nonopioid analgesic combinations Nursing Considerations […]
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name hydromorphone Trade Name Dilaudid Indication moderate to severe pain Action alters the perception and reaction to pain by binding to opiate receptors in the CNS, also suppresses the cough reflex Therapeutic Class Opioid Analgesic, allergy, cold and cough remedies, antitussive Pharmacologic Class opioid agonist Nursing Considerations • Assess BP, respirations, and pulse before […]
Meperidine (Demerol) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name meperidine Trade Name Demerol Indication moderate to severe pain, sedation Action Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS and alters perception of pain while producing a general depression of the CNS. Therapeutic Class Opioid Analgesic Pharmacologic Class opioid agonists Nursing Considerations • may cause alterations in mentation, hypotension, constipation, nausea, vomiting • assess […]