NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

senna concentrate Senokot-S / Peri- laxative 2 tabs PO HS
8.6 mg + docusate Colace
sodium 50 mg
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
unknown 6-12 hrs 3-4 days 1 to 2 tabs once or twice daily

Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
Soften the stool solutions
N/A

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

(Why med ordered)
Promotes incorporation of water into stool, resulting
in softer fecal mass, May also promote electrolyte
and water secretion into the colon
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity. Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting,
especially when associated with fever or other signs of an
acute abdomen. Excessive or prolonged use may lead to
dependence.
Common side effects
mild cramps

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically)
None for this patient
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
None known
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Advise patients that laxatives should be used only for
short-term therapy. Long-term therapy may cause
electrolyte imbalance and dependence. Encourage patients
to use other forms of bowel regulation, such as increasing
bulk in the diet, increasing fluid intake (6-8 full
glasses/day), and increasing mobility. Normal bowel habits
are variable and may vary from 3 times/day to 3 times/wk.
Instruct patients with cardiac disease to avoid straining
during bowel movements (Valsalva maneuver). Advise
patient not to use laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting, or fever is present. Advise patient not to take
docusate within 2 hr of other laxatives.
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess for abdominal distention, presence
of bowel sounds, and usual pattern of
bowel function. Assess color,
consistency, and amount of stool
produced.
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Production of a soft, formed
When abdominal pain, nausea, bowel movement.
vomiting, or fever is present. When
client is not constipated or is
experiencing diarrhea.