Question

For the following medications, list the specific lab values or assessments you would want to know prior to giving:

o Potassium Chloride

o Heparin

o Digoxin

o Furosemide

o Captopril o Nitroglycerin SL o Docusate Sodium o Metoprolol o Alprazolam o Morphine Sulfate

Answer 1

○Potassium Chloride

• Serum potassium levels (may increase)
• Bicarbonate levels
• Blood pH
• Serum Magnesium
• Assessment:for any signs of hyperkalemia ,changes in urinary pattern, ECG monitoring

○Heparin

• Prothrombin time
• Activated Partial thromboplastin time
• Hemoglobin ,platelet ,hematocrit
• PT INR
• Anti factor Xa
• Assessment:for allergic history, blood related disorders, other medications, medical conditions, herbal supplements ,breathing difficulty, cardiac rhythm

○Digoxin

• Monitor serum electrolytes
• Renal function test
• Liver function test
• Assessment:Heart rate for bradycardia, blood pressure, ECG ,intake and output

○Furosemide

• Serum electrolytes
• Renal function test
• Liver function test
• Uric acid
• Blood glucose
• Assessment: intake and output, blood pressure, pulse

○Captopril

• Potassium levels
• Blood glucose level
• Renal and liver function test
• Assessment:blood pressure, for adverse events, sign of hypoglycemia ,pregnancy

○Nitroglycerin

• Hemoglobin
• Urine protein
• Renal function test
• Intracranial pressure
• Cardiac index
• Assessment: Blood pressure ,medication, hypersensitivity other medical conditions ,oral assessment

○Docusate sodium

• Potassium  
• Renal function test
• Liver function test
• Assessment:any gastrointestinal problems, rectal bleeding ,distention bowel sounds

○Metoprolol

• Electrolyte levels
• Assessment:monitor blood pressure, ECG ,heart rate,arrhythmia

○Alprazolam

• Thyroid stimulating hormone
• Assessment:hypersensitivity, medical conditions, thyroid abnormalities

○Morphine Sulphate

• Drug screening
• Assessment:Addiction, dependency, other medical and mental conditions