Furosemide (lasix)

INDEX Generic Name furosemide

Trade Name Lasix

Peak Onset 1-2 hr 30-60 min Why is your patient taking this medication?

NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet (You will need to made additional copies of these forms) Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency diuretic

40mg

Duration 6-8 hr

Mechanism of action and indications Pulmonary edema; edema in CHF, hepatic disease, nephrotic syndrome, ascites, hypertension

PO

qday

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

Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hypersensitivity, cross-sensitivity with thiazides and sulfonamides, pre-existing electrolyte imbalance, hepatic coma, or anuria; alcohol, avoid in patients with alcohol intolerance; Use cautiously in: severe liver disease, electrolyte depletion Common side effects

dizziness, encephalopathy, headache, insomnia, nervousness

hearing loss, tinnitus, hypotension, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea vomiting, excessive urination, photosensitivity, rashes, hyperglycemia, dehydration, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hypovolemia, metabolic alkalosis, blood dyscrasias, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, arthralgia, muscle cramps, myalgia,

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) lithium, non-depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxants, digitalis, antihypertensives, nitrates, aminoglycosides, cisplatin, vancomycin, St. Johns wort, aloe, cucumber, dandelion, khella, horsetail, pumpkin, Queen Anne's lace.

Nursing Process - Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Vital Signs Assess fluid status, monitor weight, I/O amount and location of edema, lung sounds, skin turgor, mucus membranes. BP/Pulse

Lab value alterations caused by medicine

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Change position slowly (orthostatic hypotension); alcohol; exercise during hot weather; standing for long periods of time; diet high in K+, OTC meds or herbal products; use of sunscreen and protective clothing. Does not cure hypertension; weight loss, restricted sodium intake; stress reduction; cessation of smoking Assessment Evaluation Why would you hold or not give Check after giving this med? Decrease in edema Report if thirst, dry mouth, lethargy, Decrease in abdominal girth weakness, hypotension, or oliguria occurs Increase in urinary output Decrease in BP Decrease in serum calcium when used to manage hypercalcemia