Rationale for Medication

[Megsd, BSN, RN]

For my first med/surg clinical next week I have a 6-page long list of drugs (mainly cardiac, since we'll be on a cardiac unit) that I need to look up "nursing implications" and "rationale for medication".

I know the "nursing implications" means what I need to watch for, like VS, lab values, interactions, etc., but I'm a little unsure of what the rationale would be. Is it the reason for giving the drug (i.e. edema, hypertension)? Do I need to include the drug action (i.e. why they're taking an ACE inhibitor as opposed to a beta blocker)?

My instructor's out of town till Tuesday and she wants this by Thursday. I was hoping to do it over the weekend, but I'm a little unsure of what she's looking for. Anyone else have (or had) similar assignments who can give me an idea?

Thanks!

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

I think basically she is asking why that patient was put on that medication i.e. Pt has a history of hypertension so is on an ACE or history of asthma so is on salbutamol nebs etc.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

The rationale for giving the medication is "the reason why the medication is being given" to the patient. A rationale is an explanation or justification for what you are doing. If you have a medical dictionary on hand the definition of "rationale" should be listed in it.

[Megsd, BSN, RN]

Thanks guys!

[suzy253, RN]

You should probably include the classification of the drug, like beta blocker, ACE inhibitor....my instructors always asked what classification, how they work and common side effects i.e. (ACE inhibitor -- cough)