Drug Furosemide

NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets (You will need to make additional copies of these forms) Generic Name Furosemide

Trade Name Lasix

Classification Diuretics—loop diuretic

Dose

Route

Time/frequency

40 mg

PO

Every Day

Peak

Onset

Duration

For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions

1-2 hours

30- 60 minutes

6- 8 hours

N/A

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered)

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

Edema due to heart failure, hepatic impairment or renal disease, hypertension. Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the loop of Henle and distal renal tubules. Increases renal excretion of water, sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Effectiveness persists in impaired renal function. Diuresis and subsequent mobilization of excess fluid. Decreases blood pressure. Ordered for: Hypertension

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) Increased risk of hypotension with antihypertensives metoprolol

Hypersensitivity, cross-sensitivity with thiazides and sulfonamides, geri patients= increased risk of side effects-hypotension, electrolyte imbalance

Common side effects Blurred vision, dizziness, headache, vertigo, hearing loss, hypotension, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, excessive urination, pruritis, rash, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hypovalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and increased BUN

Lab value alterations caused by medicine Monitor electrolytes, renal and hepatic function, serum glucose, and uric acid levels before and periodically throughout therapy. Commonly decrease serum potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations. May increase BUN, serum glucose, creatinine and uric acid levels.

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Take as directed, take missed dose as soon as remembered without doubling doses, change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension, consult a health care professional about a diet, notify professional if weight gain of more than 3 pounds in one day, before taking OTC’s, before surgery and if muscle weakness. Where sunscreen and have routine follow-up exams.

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Assess fluid status, daily weight, intake and output, amount and location of edema, lung sounds, skin turgor, mucous membranes. Monitor blood pressure and pulse before and during. Check frequency of refills for patient compliance. Monitor fall risk in older adults. In patients also receiving digoxin monitor for nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, paresthesia and confusion. Increase risk of digoxin toxicity, tinnitus and hearing loss, allergy to sulfonamides.

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? Allergies, if lab values are out of range

Evaluation Check after giving Monitor blood pressure and pulse. Monitor for nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, paresthesia and confusion.