Prior to administering medications....

1. Starting the day, you usually take vitals.
   
   Some drugs you might not give depending on certain vitals (BP-lasix)...do you take BP again right before med admin. or do you rely on the morning result?
   
   
2. 

   About nocturne716

   Joined: Feb '04; Posts: 31

   4 Comments

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3. 
   Feb 22, '04

   Occupation: Operating Room Nurse Specialty: 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER ; From: US ; Joined: Jun '03; Posts: 17,036; Likes: 1,007

   Always take BP before, along with apical pulse, things can always change between the time vitals were taken, and the time the med is to be given.
   
   For lasix, you also check the person's weight.
4. 
   Feb 22, '04

   Joined: Feb '04; Posts: 31

   Thanks for the info, did not know about the weight. Why would you not give lasix (for weight?) Something to do with fluid volume status--decreased as evidenced by dry mouth, thirst, etc?
   
   
   For lasix, you also check the person's weight.[/QUOTE]
5. 
   Feb 22, '04

   Occupation: Operating Room Nurse Specialty: 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER ; From: US ; Joined: Jun '03; Posts: 17,036; Likes: 1,007

   A person tends to gain weight when they retain fluid. The MD usually sets the guideline on when to give the lasix.
6. 
   Feb 22, '04

   Joined: Oct '02; Posts: 60,448; Likes: 16,870

   In our unit the vitals are taken at 8am or 8pm and meds are due by 9pm. I go with the vitals that the cna took. As a student you might want to take the bp right before you get it, but in the real world when you have your whole assignment on cardiac meds you are going to go with the am vitals, otherwise why bother with the AM vitals at all. Only if the bp is out of range do I take it again. Follow your instructors instructions, I'm just telling you what I do and the nurses on my unit do.
   
   Correct about the apical pulse. Many antiarrhythmics need the apical pulse taken prior to administration.

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