INDEX NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet

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

Generic Trade Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency
Name Name antihypertensive 12.5mg PO daily (initial)
hydrochlorothiazide diuretic 12.5-100mg PO 1-2 doses up to 200mg daily
Thiazide 50mg PO not to exceed 50mg/day for hpertension

Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions
3-6 hr 2 hr 6-12 hr
Why is your patient taking this medication?

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

Management of mild to moderate hypertension
Treatment of edema associated with CHF,
Renal dysfunction, Cirrhosis, Corticosteriod therapy,
Estrogen therapy.
Lowering of blood pressure in hypertensive patients and
diuresis with mobilization of edema.
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
antihypertensives, alcohol, nitrates, corticosterioids,
amphotericin B, piperacillin, ticarcillin, lithium
cholestyramine, colestipol, digoxin, NSAID's, allopurinol,
licorice, stimulant laxative herbs (aloe, cascara sagrada,
senna), ginkgo
Nursing Process - Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment
Vital signs
monitor BP, intake, output, and daily weight and
assess feet, legs, and sacral area for edema
daily.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hypersensitivity, Cross-sensitivity
with other thiazides or sulfonamides may exist. Some products contain
tartrazine and should be avoided in patients with known intolerance.
Anuria, lactation. Use cautiously in: Renal or severe hepatic impairment
preganancy (jaundice or thrombocytopenia may be seen in the newborn)
Common side effects dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, hypotension,
anorexia, cramping, hepatitis, nausea, vomiting, photsensitivity, rashes
hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, dehydration, hypercalcemia, hypochloremic
alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, hypovolemia,
blood dyscrasias, hyperuricemia, elevated lipids, muscle cramps, pancreatitis.
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Monitor weight biweekly, change positions slowly (hypotension), use sunscreen
and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions, dietary potassium
requirements, weight reduction, low-sodium diet, regular exercise, smoking
cessation, alcohol, stress management, monitor BP, OTC meds for cough or
colds; muscle weakness, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or dizziness
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
this med? Decrease in blood pressure
Electrolyte imbalance; risk of toxicity if Increase in urine output
digoxin is also be taken Decrease in edema

Excess fluid volume.