MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Health Sciences
DRUG STUDY
Drug: Diclofenac (Date ordered: 6:45 AM, November 24, 2021 by Dr. Harold M. Sanchez)
Generic Name: Diclofenac Sodium
Brand Name: Voltaren
Classification: NSAIDs
Dosage and Frequency: 50mg TID
Route: Oral
Mechanism of Action:
Diclofenac has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of
action of Diclofenac, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves
inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).
Diclofenac is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro. Diclofenac concentrations
reached during therapy have produced in vivo effects. Prostaglandins sensitize afferent
nerves and potentiate the action of bradykinin in inducing pain in animal models.
Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation. Because Diclofenac is an inhibitor of
prostaglandin synthesis, its mode of action may be due to a decrease of prostaglandins in
peripheral tissues.
Desired Effect:
Diclofenac is used to relieve pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness caused by
arthritis.
Side effects:
Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, and
dizziness may occur.
Contraindication:
Like other selective COX-2 inhibitors, diclofenac is contraindicated with an FDA boxed
warning in patients with a history of increased cardiovascular risk such as MI or stroke.
Diclofenac should not be used in bypass graft surgery of coronary artery due to a higher risk
of MI and stroke.
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Health Sciences
Nursing Considerations:
Nursing Responsibilities Rationale
Before:
Verify the doctor’s order. Check the patient’s prescription To avoid occurrence of
sheet for the date and time of administration. error.
Observe for the 12 rights of drug administration To prevent medication
errors
Explain the procedure to the patient’s significant other as To gain cooperation and
well as its purpose. to alleviate anxiety.
Check on the medication 3 times before administering the To avoid error of drug to
drug. be administered.
Assess vital signs Serves as a baseline data
for patient’s overall
status
Perform hand hygiene. To reduce the
transmission of
microorganisms.
During:
Monitor for any adverse effect. Report severe dizziness, To prevent further
weakness, drowsiness that persists, rash or skin lesions, complications.
palpitations, edema of the extremities; visual changes;
difficulty voiding.
After:
Wash hands thoroughly. To reduce transmission of
microorganisms
Document the procedure done on patient’s record. To ensure treatment was
given.
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Health Sciences
DRUG STUDY
Drug: Paracetamol (Date ordered: 6:45 AM, November 24, 2021 by Dr. Harold M. Sanchez)
Generic Name: Paracetamol
Brand Name: Ifimol
Classification: Analgesics and antipyretics
Dosage and Frequency: 300 mg
Route: Intravenous
Mechanism of Action:
Paracetamol has a central analgesic effect that is mediated through activation of descending
serotonergic pathways. Debate exists about its primary site of action, which may be
inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis or through an active metabolite influencing
cannabinoid receptors.
Desired Effect:
Paracetamol is a commonly used medicine that can help treat pain and reduce a high
temperature (fever).
Side effects:
This drug usually has no side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe
dizziness, trouble breathing.
Contraindication:
Hypersensitivity to paracetamol and propacetamol HCl (prodrug of paracetamol). Severe
hepatocellular insufficiency.
Nursing Considerations:
Nursing Responsibilities Rationale
Before:
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Health Sciences
Verify the doctor’s order. Check the patient’s prescription To avoid occurrence of
sheet for the date and time of administration. error.
Observe for the 12 rights of drug administration To prevent medication
errors
Explain the procedure to the patient’s significant other as To gain cooperation and
well as its purpose. to alleviate anxiety.
Check on the medication 3 times before administering the To avoid error of drug to
drug. be administered.
Assess vital signs Serves as a baseline data
for patient’s overall
status
Perform hand hygiene. To reduce the
transmission of
microorganisms.
During:
Monitor for any adverse effect. Report severe dizziness, To prevent further
weakness, drowsiness that persists, rash or skin lesions, complications.
palpitations, edema of the extremities; visual changes;
difficulty voiding.
After:
Wash hands thoroughly. To reduce transmission of
microorganisms
Document the procedure done on patient’s record. To ensure treatment was
given.
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Health Sciences
DRUG STUDY
Drug: Methylprednisolone (Date ordered: 6:45 AM, November 24, 2021 by Dr. Harold M.
Sanchez)
Generic Name: Methylprednisolone
Brand Name: Medrol
Classification: Corticosteroids
Dosage and Frequency: 1 g
Route: IV
Mechanism of Action:
Methylprednisolone binds to and activates specific nuclear receptors, resulting in altered
gene expression and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production. This agent also
decreases the number of circulating lymphocytes, induces cell differentiation, and
stimulates apoptosis in sensitive tumor cell populations.
Desired Effect:
It relieves inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, and pain) and is used to treat certain forms
of arthritis; skin, blood, kidney, eye, thyroid, and intestinal disorders (e.g., colitis); severe
allergies; and asthma.
Side effects:
Upset stomach
Stomach irritation
Vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Insomnia
Restlessness
Depression
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Health Sciences
Anxiety
Acne
Increased hair growth
Easy bruising
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Contraindication:
The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug.
Conditions:
Active, untreated tuberculosis
Inactive tuberculosis
Herpes simplex infection of the eye
An infection due to a fungus
Intestinal infection caused by the roundworm strongyloides
A condition with low thyroid hormone levels
Diabetes
Insufficiency of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
High cholesterol
Low amount of potassium in the blood
A reduction in the body's resistance to infection
Psychotic disorder
A disease with shrinking and weaker muscles called myopathy
Increased pressure in the eye
Wide-angle glaucoma
Clouding of the lens of the eye called cataracts
High blood pressure
Chronic heart failure
An ulcer from too much stomach acid
A type of stomach irritation called gastritis
Diverticulitis
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Health Sciences
Surgical joining of two parts of the intestine
Hardening of the liver
Rupture of a tendon
Osteoporosis, a condition of weak bones
Decreased calcification or density of bone
Seizures
Nursing Considerations:
Nursing Responsibilities Rationale
Before:
Verify the doctor’s order. Check the patient’s prescription To avoid occurrence of
sheet for the date and time of administration. error.
Observe for the 12 rights of drug administration To prevent medication
errors
Explain the procedure to the patient’s significant other as To gain cooperation and
well as its purpose. to alleviate anxiety.
Check on the medication 3 times before administering the To avoid error of drug to
drug. be administered.
Assess vital signs Serves as a baseline data
for patient’s overall
status
Perform hand hygiene. To reduce the
transmission of
microorganisms.
During:
Monitor for any adverse effect. Report severe dizziness, To prevent further
weakness, drowsiness that persists, rash or skin lesions, complications.
palpitations, edema of the extremities; visual changes;
MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Health Sciences
difficulty voiding.
After:
Wash hands thoroughly. To reduce transmission of
microorganisms
Document the procedure done on patient’s record. To ensure treatment was
given.
