Clonidine PDF

Preview

Summary

Medication...

Description

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:

Medication

ST UDENT NAME _____________________________________

Clonidine MEDICATION __________________________________________________________________________

REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________

CATEGORY CLASS antihypertensives ______________________________________________________________________

PURPOSE OF MEDICATION

Expected Pharmacological Action Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the CNS, which results in decreased sympathetic outflow inhibiting cardioacceleration and vasoconstriction centers.

Therapeutic Use Decreased BP. Decreased pain. Improvement in ADHD symptoms

Complications drowsiness, depression, dizziness, hallucinations, nervousness, nightmares, dry mouth, withdrawal phenomenon.

Medication Administration PO, onset 30–60 min, peak 1–3 hr, duration 8–12 hr.

Contraindications/Precautions Hypersensitivity; Epidural—injection site infection, anticoagulant therapy, or bleeding problems.

Interactions Additive sedation with CNS depressants, including alcohol, antihistamines, opioid analgesics, and sedative/hypnotics.

Nursing Interventions Hypertension: Monitor intake and output ratios and daily weight, and assess for edema daily, especially at beginning of therapy. Monitor for fever as potential sign of catheter infection.

Client Education Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness Decrease in BP. Decrease in severity of pain. Decrease in the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawa

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES

Instruct patient to take clonidine at the same time each day, even if feeling well. Take missed dosed as soon as remembered. Caution patients with contact lenses that clonidine may cause dryness of eyes.

THERAPEU TIC P ROCEDURE

A7...