NURS 2466 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

lorazepam Ativan Benzodiazepines Q 4 hr. PRN
antianxiety agents, 0.5-1 mg IVP Anxiety
sedative/hypnotics
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
Not to exceed 4 mg
15-20 min 15-30 min 8-12hr
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
management of anxiety solutions
Dilute with equal parts of sterile water, D5W, or 0.9%
NaCl for injection
Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Depresses the CNS, probably by potentiating Hypersensitivity, Cross-sensitivity with other
GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter benzodiazepines may exist. Use cautiously in clients with
Indicated for patients with anxiety severe hepatic imparement.
Common side effects
dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or Lab value alterations caused by medicine
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) Patients on high-dose therapy should receive routine
Could have additive CNS side effects with evaluation of renal, hepatic, and hematologic function
Morphine Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Assess degree and manifestations of med? Decrease in subjective
anxiety prior to and periodically Troublesome occurrence of adverse feelings of anxiety without
throughout therapy side effects excessive sedation