NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Name Senokot laxatives 2 tabs PO Q hs
Sennosides
Peak Onset Duration Normal dose range
unknown 24-48 hr (up to 3-5 unknown 12-50 mg 1-2 times daily
days)

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

(Why med ordered)
Treatment of constipation, particularly when
associated with constipating drugs.
Alters water and electrolyte transport in the large
intestine, resulting in accumulation of water and
increased peristalsis.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Excessive or prolonged use may lead to dependence
Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, especially when
associated with fever or other signs of an acute abdomen
Common side effects
mild cramps, diarrhea

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
May ↓ absorption of other orally administered drugs
because of decreased transit time
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess for abdominal distention, presence of
bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel
function
Assess color, consistency, and amount of
stool produced
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
None found
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Advise patients that laxatives should be used only for short-
term therapy. Long-term therapy may cause electrolyte
imbalance and dependence
Encourage patients to use other forms of bowel regulation,
such as increasing bulk in the diet, increasing fluid intake (6-
8 full glasses/day)
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? A soft, formed bowel
Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, movement, usually within
especially when associated with fever or 24-48 hr. Therapy may take
other signs of an acute abdominal 3-5 days for results. Rectal
problems dose forms produce results
within 2-15 min