Medication Nursing Considerations

Question	Answer
Beta Blocker	Check HR manually Assess BP
Antibiotics	Assess for symptoms of infection Discuss Bowel side effects Discuss pro biotics
Anticoagulants	Assess for bleeding Discuss not increasing food with Vit K WH if pre procedure or OT
Statins	Diet education
Antiemetics	Dont give PO if vomitting Assess if meds working Provide emesis bag
Narcotics	GCS (sedation score) Pain scale RR
Apperients	The patient should be on a stool (bowel) chart Dietician review/ diet education Question the patient about their bowels
Antispasmodics	Ask the patient about the cramps (PQRST) Rule out other acute conditions
Antidepressants	Report patients mood Document patients mood in notes
Benzodiazepines	Monitor for respiratory depression Assess sedation score• Can cause drowsiness, confusion, dizzy, slurred speech Can lead to dependence
NSAID	Can cause GI upset Take with food Advise pt of side effects
Hypoglycaemic agent	BGL Diet & Dietician review Level of consciousness Signs and symptoms of hypo or hyper
Steroids (glucocorticoids)	Daily BGL if on reg and high dose Mnoitor weight and mood Educate re: side effects
Cardiac Meds	What is the HR and BP (if low or high do it MANUAL) Is the HR regular (feel it manually) Do they need an ECG Any chest pain

Resource summary

	Created by Tafe Teachers SB about 6 years ago