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 anti-infectives
vancomycin 500mg IV every 6 hours
1g IV every 12 hr (up to 4g/day)

Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions
end of infusion rapid 12-24 hr
Why is your patient taking this medication?

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

Treatment of potentially life-threatening infections when
less toxic anti-infectives are contraindicated. Particularly
useful in staphylococcal infections, including:
Endocarditis, meningitis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia
septicemia, soft-tissue infections in patients who have
allergies to penicillin or its dirivatives or when sensitivity
testing demonstrates resistance to methicillin.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions hypersensitivity, renal impairment;
hearing impairment; intestinal obstruction or inflammation; pregnancy and
lactation.
Common side effects ototoxicity; hypotension; nausea; vomiting;
nephrotoxicity; rashes; eosinophilia; leukopenia; phlebitis; back and neck
pain; hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis; chills; fever;
red-man syndrome (with rapid infusion); superinfection

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
ototoxic and nephrotoxic drugs (aspirin, aminoglycosides,
cyclosporine, cisplatin, loop diuretics); nondepolarizing
neuromuscular blocking agents; general anesthetics.
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Report signs of hypersensitivity, tinnitus, vertigo, or hearing loss. Report is
there is not improvement in a few days. Heart patients need to be taught
importance of using antimicrobial prophylaxis prior to invasive dental or
medical procedures.

Nursing Process - Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
Assess patient for infection this med? Resolution of signs and symptoms of infection.
Vital signs; appearance of wound, sputum,urine, Allergy Length of time for complete resolution
and stool; WBC and beginning of and throughout depends on organism and site of infection.
therapy. Allergy to medication Endocarditis prophylaxis.
monitor I/O.