DRUG NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION INDICATION / ADVERSE EFFECT NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

CONTRAINDICATION

GENERIC: INDICATIONs: CNS: BEFORE:

SETRALINE Inhibits neuronal uptake of Major depressive disorder. Neuroleptic malignant Dx:
BRAND: serotonin in the CNS, thus Panic disorder. Obsessive- syndrome, suicidal thoughts, a. Monitor older adults for
ZOLOFT potentiating the activity of compulsive disorder (OCD). dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, fluid and sodium
CLASS: serotonin. Has little effect on Post-traumatic stress disorder anxiety imbalances.
norepinephrine or dopamine. (PTSD). Social anxiety disorder EENT: b. Assess for history of
THERAPEUTIC (Discuss mechanism of action (SOCIAL PHOBIA). Pharyngitis, rhinitis, tinnitus, seizure disorders.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS as to how it can resolve Premenstrual dysphoric visual abnormalities c. Check for allergies.
identified condition, signs and disorder(PMDD) CV: d. Assess baseline mental
PHARMACOLOGIC: symptoms, or nursing Chest pain, palpitations status
SELECTIVE SEROTONIN conditions) CONTRAINDICATION: GI: Tx:
REUPTAKE INHIBITORS Hypersensitivity; concurrent Diarrhea, dry mouth, a. Supervise patients at
(SSRIS) use of MAO-like drugs nausea risk for suicide closely
SOURCE: CON Book or (linezolid or methylene blue); GU: during initial therapy.
DOSAGE: Drughand book (Follow APA concurrent use of pimozide; Sexual dysfunction, b. Perform a thorough
50 mg. Formatting) oral concentrate contains menstrual disorder. physical assessment to
alcohol; avoid patients with DERM: establish baseline data
ROUTE: known intolerance. Sweating, hot flushes, rash before drug therapy
ORAL ENDO: begins, to determine
DRUG TO DRUG INTERACTION: Diabetes the effectiveness of
__________________ MS: therapy, and to
Back pain, myalgia evaluate for the
DRUG TO FOOD INTERACTION: NEURO: occurrence of any
_________________ Tremor, hypertonia adverse effects
MISC: associated with drug
Serotonin syndrome, fever therapy.
and thirst. c. Restrict amount of
drug available to
(Highlight or emphasize patient.
adverse effects manifested by
the patient by underlining the
sign and symptoms)
d. Periodically assess
dose.
EDx:
a. Instruct pt. to take
sertraline as directed
b. Caution pt. that
drowsiness or dizziness
may occur.
c. Educate client on drug
therapy to promote
compliance.
d. Insure the patient takes
the medication as
prescribed.
DURING:
Dx:
a. Asses mental status for
worsening of
depression, suicidal
ideation, anxiety, social
functioning, and/or
panic
attack(especially
during initiation of
therapy and when
dosage is changed
b. Monitor mood
changes.
c. Monitor for adverse
effects (e.g. sedation,
dizziness, respiratory
dysfunctions, GU
 problems, etc).
d. Check for drug or
herbal interactions
Tx:
a. Limit drug access if
patient is suicidal to
decrease the risk of
overdose to cause
harm.
b. Administer a major
portion of dose at
bedtime as ordered if
drowsiness and
anticholinergic effect
are severe to decrease
the risk of patient injury.
c. Establish suicide
precautions for
severely depressed
patients to decrease
the risk of overdose to
cause harm.
d. Assist pt. in taking the
medication.
EDx:
a. Instruct pt. SO to report
diarrhea, nausea,
dyspepsia, insomnia,
drowsiness, dizziness, or
persistent headache to
physician.
b. Report diarrhea,
nausea, dyspepsia,
 insomnia, drowsiness,
dizziness, or persistent
headache to
physician.
c. Inform of drugs and
herbs that can interact
d. Instruct patient to
verbalize feelings and
concerns.
AFTER:
Dx:
a. Assess
knowledge/teach
patient appropriate
use ,interventions to
reduce side effects,
and adverse symptoms
to report
b. Monitor for
effectiveness as
exhibited by a
decrease in symptoms
c. Monitor for side effects.
d. Assess for serotonin
syndrome
Tx:
a. Remember that a lot of
these drugs can cause
dizziness in the first few
weeks of taking so take
safety precautions.
b. Provide safety
measures (e.g.
 adequate lighting,
raised side rails, etc.) to
prevent injuries.
c. Provide comfort
measures (e.g. voiding
before dosing, taking
food with drug, etc.) to
help patient tolerate
drug effects.
d. Administer drug once a
day in the evening to
achieve optimal
therapeutic effects.
EDx:
a. Monitor patient
compliance to drug
therapy.
b. Monitor patient for 2-4
weeks to ascertain
onset of full
therapeutic effect.
c. Advise pt. to avoid
alcohol intake.
d. Instruct patient to
verbalize feelings and
concerns.

categorize your NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES as to Before, During and After giving the medication and each has Dx, Tx and EDx.