Vitamin E

NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets Generic Name Vitamin E

Trade Name Alpha tocopherol

Peak Unknown

Onset Unknown

Classification Dose Fat soluble vitamin 800 IU

Duration unknown

Route PO

Time/frequency Q day

Normal dosage range Determined by nutritional intake of degree of deficiency

Why is your patient getting this medication Dietary supplementation, also indicated for prevention of coronary artery disease

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

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered) Prevents the oxidation of other substances. Protects RBC membranes against hemolysis. Prevention and tx of deficiency in high-risk pts.

Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions None for this pt

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) None for this pt

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Assess pt for s/s of Vitamin E deficiency (muscle weakness, ceroid deposits, anemia, creatinuria. Nutritional status through 24 hr diet recall and determine the frequency of consumption of vitamin E rich foods.

Common side effects Only seen in large doses over long periods of time; headache, weakness, blurred vision, Necrotizing enterocolitis,

Lab value alterations caused by medicine Large doses may increase cholesterol, triglyceride, and CPK levels Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Take as directed, if dose is missed, skip it because fat soluble vitamins are stored in the body for long periods of time. Encourage pt to get adequate Vit E from a well balanced diet (vegetable oils, wheat germ, whole-grain cereals, egg yolk, and liver Assessment Evaluation Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving med? Prevention of or decrease in Symptoms of overdose (blurred the symptoms of vitamin E vision, flu-like symptoms, headache, deficiency breast enlargement)