A 55-year-old male client is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. He has a T wave inversion and elevation of the ST segment. The EKG indicates myocardial ischemia and necrosis. He is started on lidocaine hydrochloride by IV infusion. He is also given aspirin 325 mg PO, heparin subcutaneous 5,000 units bid, and atenolol (Tenormin) 50 mg PO daily. It should be noted the client received morphine 10 mg IV to relieve chest pain in the emergency room. What assessments should be made prior to administration of these medications?What information about the medications should be explained to the client?For what adverse effects of the medications should the nurse be alert and assess?

Check the explanation

Explanation:

The Assessments to be made prior to administration of the given medications are:

For Lidocaine Hydrochloride:

•The Assessment ought to be done to know if the patient has any reactions for local anesthesia

For Aspirin:

•Any preceding allergy in respect non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine should be examined

•The underlying situations of gastrointestinal disorders should be confirmed as aspirin may precipitate these conditions

For Heparin:

•Signs of any Bleeding or hemorrhage should be assessed prior to the usage of heparin. Gums, urine, stool, skin are to be screened to detect out any bleeding signs

•Heparin is not suppose to be given in chronic alcoholics and thus the history of alcohol consumption from the client should be taken

For Atenolol:

•The pulse level and speed should be assessed prior to administering atenolol. Whenever there’s any pulse rate of below 60 bpm then it indicates that the drug should not be administered

For Morphine:

•The respiratory level before administration should be taken note of which will serve as a baseline to observe any toxicity of morphine

•The pulse and blood pressure are to be assessed before any administration takes place

•As the morphine is given before surgery any additional doses during surgery periods must be avoided or reduced doses should be given during surgery to improve the pain tolerance.