NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Digoxin Lanosicaps Cardiac glycoside 0.25 mg po q day
digitek
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or
2-8 hr 30-120 min 2-4 days solutions

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered)
Increases CO, Inc. myocardial contractility, change
electrical conduction properties of the heart, decrease rate
of electrical conduction, prolong refractory period, area
between SA & AV node, Result: Reduced HR and
improved cardiac efficiency
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions Allergy, Heart
Block, Bradycardia, right/left bundle block
Common side effects – Fatigue, anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, bradycardia
Geri – very sensitive to toxic effects

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically) – Bran, ginseng, Dig level, potassium, renal/kidney function tests, EKG
Aloe, hawthorn, St. John’s Wart, loop Diuretics, drugs
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
that lower HR. Heart Failure, supraventricular
medication – check dose/take pulse/no high-fiber foods/
dysrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
weight gain of 2 or more lbs., in 1 day or 5 in a week,
know dig toxicity-nausea, visual signs and symptoms
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Why would you hold or Evaluation Check after
(Pre-administration assessment) not give this med? – pulse over 120 or giving
Vital Signs! History, allergies, Apical pulse less than 60, call physician, signs and VS – pulse, HR, Stable VS
for 1 minute, weight, I & O, lab work symptoms of dig toxicity

All geriatric pt. have potential for impaired renal/kidney/liver function/failure

Daily dose should not exceed 0.125 mg except when treating Afib. Postural hypotension
– fall risks – all heart meds