Medication Regime Sheet Name: _____________
Medication Name How does it work? (in Why is this patient on What is the safe dosage range? List two (2) common Primary Relevant Nursing
and Classification your own words) this medication? (In clinical, is the dose Action Side Effects Considerations
prescribed within this range?) (Primary action side effects are an (Specific nursing actions
extension of the intended action) pre/post administration, with
food or not, crush or not, any
specific information to include
when teaching patient, etc...)
Digoxin works by
strengthening the force •Heart failure (to
•Name: Digoxin improve symptoms •Adults: 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg once
of the heart’s •Bradycardia (slower than
(Brand Name: and heart function) daily (depending on
contractions and
Lanoxin) patient age, kidney normal heart rate)
slowing the heart rate. It
•Classification: •Atrial fibrillation function, and condition).
helps the heart pump
Cardiac (AFib) (to control •Paediatric dosing depends on •Heart block or arrhythmias
blood more efficiently
glycoside heart rate by weight. (due to excessive slowing
by increasing calcium
slowing In Clinical Practice: Confirm the or disruption in
levels inside heart cells,
conduction prescribed dose falls within this
which enhances the
range and adjust for renal
conduction)
heart’s pumping ability through the
atrioventricular impairment if needed.
and electrical signaling.
(AV) node)
Oxazepam works by
enhancing the effects of •Anxiety disorders or •Anxiety: 10–30 mg, 3–4 times
•Name: Oxazepam a natural chemical in the daily as needed
short-term relief of •Sedation/Drowsiness
(Brand Name: brain called gamma- •Alcohol withdrawal: 15–30 mg, 3–
symptoms of anxiety (due to its calming
Serax) aminobutyric acid 4 times daily
•Acute alcohol effect on the CNS)
•Classification: (GABA). This leads to In Clinical Practice: Verify the
withdrawal (to •Ataxia (unsteadiness) or
Benzodiazepine calming effects on the prescribed dose falls within
manage agitation or impaired coordination
central nervous system, tremors) these ranges, and adjust based (due to CNS
reducing anxiety, •Insomnia (associated on the patient’s age, liver depression)
relaxing muscles, and with anxiety) function, and clinical needs.
helping with sleep.
Pre-administration:
•Check apical pulse for one full minute before administering. Hold the medication if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute (in adults) or as per facility policy.
•Monitor potassium levels; hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Post-administration:
•Monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity (nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances like halos, confusion, or bradycardia).
Administration:
•Can be taken with or without food. Avoid administering with high-fiber meals, as they can decrease absorption.
•Do not crush extended-release tablets.
Patient Teaching:
•Teach patients to take their pulse daily and to hold the medication if the pulse is too low (specific threshold as directed by the provider).
•Warn patients about potential signs of toxicity and advise them to report symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or changes in vision.
•Advise avoiding over-the-counter medications or supplements (e.g., antacids, laxatives) without consulting their provider as these can interact with digoxin.
Pre-administration:
•Assess for symptoms of anxiety or withdrawal and monitor vital signs (especially respiratory rate).
•Evaluate the patient for a history of substance abuse or dependence, as oxazepam has a potential for misuse.
Post-administration:
•Monitor for excessive sedation, confusion, or respiratory depression.
•Watch for signs of dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal if the medication is being tapered or discontinued.
Administration:
•Can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may minimize gastrointestinal upset.
•Do not crush or split tablets unless specified.
Patient Teaching:
•Warn patients about potential drowsiness and advise them to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
•Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking oxazepam, as these can increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
•Emphasize taking the medication exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of dependency or withdrawal symptoms.
