ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES
Medication
STUDENT NA ME _____________________________________
MEDICATION __________________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________
CAT EGO RY CL ASS ______________________________________________________________________
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:
PURPOSE OF MEDICATION
Expected Pharmacological Action
Complications
Contraindications/Precautions
Interactions
Medication Administration
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
Therapeutic Use
Nursing Interventions
Client Education
Generic: docusate sodium Trade: Colace
Pearson pg 526
(Pharmacologic) Stool Softener, Surfactant laxatives
(Mechanism)Detergent (surfactant) action lowers surface tension
of the stool to allow penetration of water & fats. This softens the
stool so it can be passed more easily.
Onset/Peak/Duration: PO 24-48h; up to 3-5 days. Rectal: 2-15min
Special Assessments:
Adult: PO 50-500mg/day
PR 50-100mg added to enema fluid
Child:
<3y/o: PO 10-40mg/day
3 to <6y/o: PO 20-60mg/day
6-12y: PO 40-120mg/day
Safe Dose Range:
Will increase systemic absorption of mineral oil
Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis. Fecal impaction, bowel obstruction, acute
surgical abdomen to prevent perforation, N/V & abdominal pain. Pts with
colon or rectal structural abnormalities, and pts on sodium restricted diets.
Pregnancy Category: C
(Adverse Effects)
GI: Mild abdominal cramps, D/N, bitter taste.
Other: Throat irritation (liquid), rash
(Purpose) Tx of constipation. Softening of fecal
impaction. Prophylactically in pt who need to avoid
straining (eg: following anorectal surgery, MI).
Obtain a complete history of laxative use,
and provide teaching as needed.
Take w/8oz of water.
Allow adequate time (24h-5days) for dose
to take effect before giving a second dose.
Withhold drug if diarrhea develops & notify
PCP.
Antidote:
Therapeutic effectiveness usually apparent 1-3 days after
first dose.
Drink 8oz of water with each dose
and 2-3L of fluids during the day.
Do not take with mineral oil.
Do not take for prolonged periods
of time. Chronic use con lead to
fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
