Drug Senno Sides Senna

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

Trade Name Docusate and senna

Classification Stimulant laxative

Dose

Route

Time/frequency

One or two

PO

PRN Every day

Peak

Onset

Duration

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

Unknown

6 to 12 hours

3 to 4 days

N/A

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered)

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

Treatment of constipation, particularly when associated with: slow transit time, constipating drugs, irritable or spastic bowel syndrome, neurologic constipation.

Hypersensitivity, abdominal pain of unknown cause, especially if associated with fever; rectal fissures; ulcerated hemorrhoids; known alcohol intolerance.

Active components of senna alter water and electrolyte transport in the large intestine, resulting in accumulation of water and increased peristalsis.

Common side effects Cramping, diarrhea, nausea, pink-red or brown-black discoloration of urine, electrolyte abnormalities, laxative dependence

Ordered for: constipation

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically)

Lab value alterations caused by medicine N/A

May decrease absorption of other orally administered drugs because of decreased transit time. Other bowel laxatives

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Only use short term, use other form of regulation, inform about change of urine color, to patient with cardiac disease: avoid straining while having a bowel movement, don’t use when having abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever present.

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Assess for abdominal distention, bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel function.

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? Regular bowel functioning: one every 3 days at least.

Evaluation Check after giving Assess color, consistency and amount of stool formed. A soft formed bowel movement should be formed.