Drug Furosemide

NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets Generic Name Trade Name Furosemide

Lasix

Classification Diuretics—loop diuretic

Peak

Onset

Duration

1-2 hours

30- 60 minutes

6- 8 hours

(Why med ordered) Edema due to heart failure, hepatic impairment or renal disease, hypertension. Ordered for: Hypertension, Edema

Mechanism of action and indications 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.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) Pt on Metoprolol which Increases risk of hypotension with this antihypertensive.

Dose

Route

Time/frequency

20 mg

PO

Every day

For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions N/A Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hypersensitivity, cross-sensitivity with thiazides and sulfonamides, geri patients have increased risk of side effectshypotension, 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 Have Pt 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 when going outside for fresh air, 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, and mucous membranes. Monitor blood pressure and pulse before and during. Monitor pt for fall risk.

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? Monitor for decreased blood pressure if too low hold the med and contact the primary care provider.

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