Prioritizing Top 5 Medications

[js2016]

I'm trying to write a care plan for a patient with compartment syndrome. I need to list 5 priority medications and list 2 priority PRN medications. With the list of meds the patient is on, I am having trouble prioritizing them because, to me, some of them have very similar uses. I am looking for help prioritizing the medications and understanding what exactly makes them the priority.

Here is my list of scheduled meds:

1. Famotidine (Pepcid) IV injection

2. Heparin subcutaneous injection

3. Lactated Ringers IV

4. Bactitracin Topical Ointment

5. Sodium Chloride (Saline Flush)

Here is my list of PRN meds:

1. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

2. Ondansetron (Zofran) Injection

3. Docusate (Colace) PO

4. Acetominophen PO

5. Morphine Injection

6. Percocet PO

7. Naloxone IV

Input with explanations are very much appreciated!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

You only have five scheduled medications, so I guess they're the top five. Why is your patient getting heparin? Given subcutaneously, it is probably part of a protocol to prevent a certain complication. Why is your patient at risk for that complication and how bad could it be if she gets it? As far as the Bacetracin -- where are you giving it and why? What would or could happen if you didn't give it?

Your prn meds seem to be either pain medication or medications to address the negative side effects of pain medication. How much pain is your patient having? Morphine IV or oral pain medicine? If your patient is in severe pain and getting frequent doses of morphine, what is the biggest potential problem -- respiratory depression from overmedication or possible constipation? If she's on oral paid medication then constipation could be a problem -- is she already constipated or are you merely preventing constipation?

Hope this helps.