INDEX NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet

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

Generic Trade Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency
Name Name
docusate Colace laxatives 200mg PO BID
sodium

Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage 50-500mg once daily

UNK up to 3-5 days 24-48 hours unknown

Why is your patient taking this medication? For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions
stool softner

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

prevention of constipation (in patients who should avoid
straining, such as after MI or rectal surgery) Used as
enema to soften fecal impaction
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
should not be used if prompt results are desired;
Common side effects throat irritation; mild cramps; rashes.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically) Electrolyte imbalance
none significant

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication

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
used for short-term therapy; use other forms of bowel regulation, such as
increasing bulk in the diet, increasing fluid intake, and increasing mobility.
with cardiac disease avoid straining during bowel movements; do not use
laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever is present.
do not take within 2 hours of other laxative use
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
this med? a soft, formed bowel movement
allergy Decrease in constipation
nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain