NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets
(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)
Generic Name Trade Name Classification
Ertapenem Invanz Anti-infectives
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
End of infusion rapid 24 hr 1 g once daily
Why is your patient getting this medication
To prevent infection after abdominal surgery
Mechanism of action and indications
(Why med ordered)
Bactericidal action against susceptible bacteria.
Active against the following aerobic gram-positive
organisms Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-
susceptible strains only), Staphylococcus
epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, S. pneumonia
(penicillin-susceptible strains only), and S.
pyogenes. Also active against the following gram-
negative aerobic organisms Escherichia coli,
Haemophilus influenza (beta-lactamase negative
strains), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Moraxella
catarrhalis Providencia rettgeri. Addition anaerobic
spectrum includes Bacteroides fragilis, B. distasonis,
B. ovantus, B. thetaiotamicron, B. uniformis, B.
vulgatis Clostridium clostrioforme, Eubacterium
lentum, Peptostreptococcus, Porphyromonas
asaccharolytica, and Prevotella bivia.
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically)
None known
Dose Route Time/frequency
1g IV 2100/ q 24 hrs
For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
solutions
Administer in 50ml of 0.9% NaCl over 30 min
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity. Cross-sensitivity may occur with
penicillins, cephalosporins and other carbapenems.
Hypersensitivity to lidocaine (may be used as a dilutent for
IM administration). Use cautiously in geriatric patients
(age related ↓ renal function).
Common side effects
No common side effects. Potential dangerous side effects:
seizures, pseudomembranous colitis, anaphylaxis
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
May cause ↑ AST, ALT, serum alkaline phosphatase levels.
May cause ↑ platelet and eosinophil counts.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Advise patient to report the signs of superinfection (black,
furry overgrowth on the tongue; vaginal itching or
discharge; loose or foul-smelling stools) and allergy.
Consult healthcare professional before treating with
antidiarrheals. Caution patient to notify health care
professional if fever and diarrhea occur, especially if stool
contains blood, pus, or mucus. Advise patient not to treat
diarrhea without consulting health care professional. May
occur up to several weeks after discontinuation of
medication.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Assess for infection at beginning of and med? Resolution of the signs and
during therapy. Obtain history before Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis symptoms of infection.
initiating therapy to determine previous (rash, pruritus, laryngeal edema, Prevention of infection.
use of and reactions to penicillins, wheezing).
cephalosporins or carbapenems. Persons
with a negative history of penicillin
sensitivity may still have an allergic
response. Obtain specimens for culture
and sensitivity before initiating therapy.
First dose may be given before receiving
results. Observe patient for signs and
symptoms of anaphylaxis.