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 bronchodilators
0.63mg nebulization 3x's daily - every 6-8 hours
levalbuterol Xopenex may be increased to 1.25mg 3x's daily.

Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions
90 minutes 10-17 minutes 5-6 hours
Why is your patient taking this medication?

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

bronchospasm due to reversible airway disease
(short-term control agent)
Relaxation of airway smooth muscle with subsequent
bronchodilation. Relatively selective for beta-2
(pulmonary) receptors
Contraindications/warnings/interactions hypersensitivity to levalbuterol or
albuterol; cardiovascular disorders; history of seizures; hypokalemia;
hyperthroidism; diabetes; unusual sensitivity to adrenergic amines; pregnancy;
lactation; concurrent use or within 2 weeks of tricyclic antidepressants or
MAOIs (may increase the reisk of adverse cardiovascular reactions)
Common side effects anxiety; dizziness; headache; nervousness; increased
cough; paradoxical bronchospasm; turbinate edema; tachycardia; dyspepsia;
hyperglycemia; hypokalemia.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically)
concurrent use or use within 2 wks of tricyclic antidepressnats
or MAOIs may increase risk of adverse cardiovascular
reactions; Beta-blockers; potassium-losing diuretics; digoxin; Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
hydrocarbon inhalation anesthetics; cocaine; guarana; proper use of nebulizer; call doctor if taking OTC medications or alcohol;
tea; coffee. call doctor if shortness of breath is not relieved by the medication or is
accompanied by diaphoresis; dizziness; palpitations; or chest pain; use first if
using other inhalation medications and allow 5 minutes to elapse before other
med is taken; rinse mouth with water after each inhalation dose for dry mouth.
Nursing Process - Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
assess lung sounds; pulse; blood pressure before this med? prevention or relief of bronchospasm.
and during peak of medication; Note color and If wheezing occurs withhold medication
amount of sputum produced; monitor pulmonary and call doctor
function tests before therapy; observe for
wheezing.