Question

Medications o Drug class o Mechanism of action o Major side effects o Nursing considerations and interventions o Patient teaching 1. Hydralazine 2. Folic acid 3. Ferrous sulfate
Typed please

Answer 1

1. Hydralazine:-

Drug class - cardiovascular agent; non-nitrate vasodilator; antihypertensive

Mechanism of Action - Direct-acting peripheral arteriolar vasodilator.

Major Side Effects - It affects the Central Nervous System by showing the symptoms of dizziness, drowsiness, headache. Besides this, is results in skin rashes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, edema, etc.

Nursing considerations and Intervensions – Nurse should obtain complete health history, drug history (to determine drug interactions and allergies), EKG, vital signs, blood pressure, heart and chest sounds, level of consciousness etc.

Patient teaching: Following should be done:

patient should be explained the importance of continuing to take this medication, even if feeling well. Patient should be explained to take medication at the same time each day; last dose of the day should be taken at bedtime. Take missed doses as soon as remembered; do not double doses. If more than 2 doses in a row are missed, consult health care professional. Must be discontinued gradually to avoid sudden increase in BP. Hydralazine controls but does not cure hypertension.

Encourage patient to comply with additional interventions for hypertension (weight reduction, low-sodium diet, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake, regular exercise, and stress management). Instruct patient and family on proper technique for BP monitoring. Advise them to check BP at least weekly and report significant changes.

Patients should weigh themselves twice weekly and assess feet and ankles for fluid retention.

May occasionally cause drowsiness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.

Caution patient to avoid sudden changes in position to minimize orthostatic hypotension.

Instruct patient to notify health care professional of medication prior to treatment or surgery.

Advise patient to notify health care professional immediately if general tiredness; fever; muscle or joint aching; chest pain; skin rash; sore throat; or numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness of hands and feet occurs. Vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) may be used to treat peripheral neuritis.

Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to evaluate effectiveness of medication.

2. Folic acid

Drug class – Antianemics; Vitamins

Mechanism of Action - Folic acid is essential for the production of certain coenzymes in many metabolic systems such as purine and pyrimidine synthesis. It is also essential in the synthesis and maintenance of nucleoprotein in erythropoesis. It also promotes WBC and platelet production in folate-deficiency anaemia.

Major side effects: GI disturbances, hypersensitivity reactions; bronchospasm

Nursing considerations and Intervensions:

Name confusion has been reported between folinic acid (leucovorin) and folic acid; use extreme caution.

patient should be assessed for megablastic anemia before and periodically throughout therapy.

Patient teaching: Following should be done:

One should encourage patients for proper diet and exercise and notify health care provider in case of rash appearance.

3. Ferrous Sulfate

Drug class: Antianemics

Mechanism of Action - This medication is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron (e.g., for anemia or during pregnancy)

Major side effects: constipation and upset stomach

Nursing considerations and Intervensions:

may cause seizures, hypotension, constipation, epigastric pain, diarrhea, skin staining, anaphylaxis

assess nutritional status, bowel function

monitor hemoglobin, hematocrit, iron levels

may cause elevated liver enzymes

take on an empty stomach to increase absorption/vitamin c helps with absorption

use z-track for IM injections

Patient teaching:

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medication on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous sulfate .

Take this medication with a full glass of water.