Download Patients Receiving Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Nursing Process Focus:
Patients Receiving Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Assessment
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Prior to administration:
• Ineffective Tissue Perfusion, related to
• Obtain complete health history including
adverse effects of drug
allergies, drug history and possible drug
• Risk for Injury (dizziness, fainting), related
interactions.
to hypotension from drug
• Assess blood pressure and pulse.
• Deficient Knowledge, related to new drug
• Assess EKG for bradydysrhthmias and
regimen
heart block.
• Assess frequency of angina.
Planning: Patient Goals and Expected Outcomes
The patient will:
• Demonstrate understanding of risks and benefits of drug.
• Maintain adequate tissue perfusion.
• Avoid physical injury related to side effects of drug.
Implementation
Interventions and (Rationales)
*Monitor neurological status.
(Headache may occur related to the arterial
dilation effects of the drug.)
*Monitor renal function.
*Monitor intake and output. (Patients with
renal disease should not take some NSAIDs
and should check with health care provider
before taking OTC medications.)
*Take blood pressure in both arms and while
lying, standing, and sitting (to monitor for
orthostatic hypotension.)
*Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of
congestive heart failure as CCBs reduce
contractility of the heart.
*Monitor for chronic cough and increasing
shortness of breath. (These symptoms can
indicate pulmonary congestion.)
*Monitor weight. (A sudden increase in weight
indicates fluid retention which can result in
congestive heart failure.)
Patient Education/Discharge Planning
Advise patient:
• this medication may cause headache.
• to check with health care provider prior to
the use of any OTC medications to treat
headache.
Advise patient:
• to check with health care provider prior to
the use of any OTC medications to treat
headache.
• to avoid use of NSAIDs during drug
therapy.
*Advise patient that this medication may cause
dizziness, therefore the patient should be
careful operating heavy machinery until the
patient has become accustomed to taking
medication.
*Advise patient of signs and symptoms of
heart failure (shortness of breath, weight gain,
slow heart beat) and to notify health care
provider if any of these occur.
Evaluation of Outcome Criteria
Evaluate the effectiveness of drug therapy by confirming that patient goals and expected
outcomes have been met (see “Planning”).