NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

lorazepam Ativan Benzodiazepines 1 mg PO Q HS
antianxiety
agents,
sedative/hypnotic
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or
1-6 min 15-60 min 8-12 hr solutions

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered)
Depresses the CNS, probably by potentiating GABA, an
inhibitory neurotransmitter. Indicated for patients with
anxiety.
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions -
Hypersensitivity, Cross-sensitivity with other
benzodiazepines may exist. Lower doses recommended
for geriatric or debilitated patients, uncontrolled severe
pain.
Common side effects - dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy,
apnea, cardiac arrest

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically) – opioid analgesics
such as Lortab, antidepressants such as Lexapro,
sedative/hypnotics such as Ativan may decrease efficacy
of levodopa.
Lab value alterations caused by medicine - Patients on
high-dose therapy should receive routine evaluation of
renal, hepatic, and hematologic function
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication – drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre- Assessment Evaluation Check after

administration assessment) - Assess degree Why would you hold or not give this giving - Decrease in
and manifestations of anxiety prior to and med? - Troublesome occurrence of subjective feelings of
periodically throughout therapy adverse side effects anxiety without excessive
sedation