Drug Card Lasix

NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets (You will need to make additional copies of these forms) Generic Name Peak

Onset

Dose Route Time/frequency 20 mg Po qD 80 mg q as x’s 10 days Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions

1-2 hr

30-60 min

6-8 hr

furosemide

Trade Name Lasix

Classification loop diuretics

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered) CHF

Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions

Inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the loop of Henle and distal renal tubule Increases renal excretion of water, sodium, chloride, magnesium, hydrogen, and calcium

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) ↑ hypotension with antihypertensives , nitrates ↑ risk of hypokalemia with other diuretics, laxatives

Geriatric patients may have increased risk of side effects, especially hypotension and electrolyte imbalance, at usual doses

Common side effects dehydration, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypovolemia, metabolic alkalosis,

Lab value alterations caused by medicine Monitor electrolytes, renal and hepatic function, serum glucose, and uric acid levels before and periodically throughout therapy. May cause ↓ serum potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations. May also cause ↑ BUN, serum glucose, creatinine, and uric acid levels

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Caution patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension. Instruct patient to consult health care professional regarding a diet high in potassium Caution older patients or their caregivers about increased risk for falls. Suggest strategies for fall prevention Advise patient to contact health care professional immediately if muscle weakness, cramps, nausea, dizziness, numbness, or tingling of extremities occurs

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Assess fluid status during therapy. Monitor daily weight, intake and output ratios, amount and location of edema, lung sounds, skin turgor, and mucous membranes. Notify physician or other health care provider if thirst, dry mouth, lethargy, weakness, hypotension, or oliguria occurs

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? Monitor blood pressure and pulse before and during administration. Monitor frequency of prescription refills to determine compliance in patients treated for hypertension Diuretic use is associated with increased risk for falls in older adults. Assess falls risk and implement fall prevention strategies Assess patient for tinnitus and hearing loss. Assess for allergy to sulfonamides

Evaluation Check after giving Decrease in edema Decrease in abdominal girth Increase in urinary output Decrease in blood pressure Decrease in serum calcium when used to manage hypercalcemia