Folic Acid

NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets (You will need to make additional copies of these forms) Generic Name Folic acid Peak 1 hour

Trade Name Folate Onset

Classification Dose Route Water soluable 4g Po vitamins Duration Normal dosage range Unknown 0.4-1 mg per day

Time/frequency QD

30-60 min Why is your patient getting this medication Anemia

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

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered) required for protein syntheses and red blood cell function, stimulates the production of RBC’s. Indicated for the prevention and treatment of megaloblastic and macrocytic anemias.

Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Uncorrected aplastic, or normocytic anemias.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) No significant findings

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Assess pt for signs of megoblastic anemia (fatigue, weakness, dyspnea) before and periodically throughout therapy.

Common side effects Rashes, irritability, difficulty sleeping, malaise, confusion, fever

Lab value alterations caused by medicine Monitor plasma folic acid levels, hemoglobin, hematocrit and feticuloccyte count vefore and periodically during therapy. Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Encourage pt to comply with diet and exercise. Foods high in folic acid include vegetables, fruits, and organ meats; heat destroys folic acid in foods. Patients self-medicatinwith vitamin supplements should be cautioned not to exceed RDA. Folic acid may make urine more intensely yellow. Notify health care provider if rash occurs. Assessment Evaluation Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving med? Resolution of symptoms of if a rash occurs megaloblastic anemia