Clinical Medications Worksheet
Generic Name Trade Name Classification
Cefazolin Ancef Anti-infectives
Peak Onset Duration
End of infusion Rapid 6-12hr
Why is your patient getting this medication
Perioperative prophylaxis for bacterial infection
Mechanism of action and indications
(Why med ordered)
Binds to bacterial cell wall membrane, causing
cell death. Bactericidal action against susceptible
bacteria
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically)
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess for infection (vs, appearance of wound,
sputum, urine, and stool; WBC) at beginning
and throughout therapy. Determine if hx of
cephalosporin reaction has occurred. Obtain C
&S.
Monitor IV site often for thrombophlebitis
( pain, redness, swelling) Change sites every
48-72 hr to prevent phlebitis. Do not use
solutions that are cloudy or contain precipitate.
Dose Route Time/frequency
1g IVPB Q 8hr x 2
Normal dosage range
1g within 30-60 min prior to incision (an additional
500mg-1g should be given for all surgeries ≥ 2 hr.
500mg-1g should then be given for all surgeries every 6-
8 hr for 24 hr following surgery
For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
solutions
Y-site incompatibility- amphotericin B, cholesteryl
sulfate, idarubicin, pentamidine, vinorelbine
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
Common side effects
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rashes, phlebitis at IV site
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
May cause a positive Coomb’s test in pt. receiving high
doses or in neonates whose mothers were given
cephalosporins before delivery. May ↑ serum AST, ALT,
alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, LDH, BUN, creatinine.
May cause leucopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia,
and eosinophilia
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Report s/s of superinfection (furry overgrowth on the
toung, vaginal itching or discharge, loose foul-smelling
stools) and allergy. Notify Dr. if fever and diarrhea
develop, esp. if diarrhea contains blood, mucus, or pus.
Do not treat diarrhea without consulting health care
professional.
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Resolution of s/s of
infection. Length of time
S/S of anaphylaxis ( rash, pruritus,
laryngeal edema, wheezing), D/C drug for complete resolution
and notify physician. depends on the organism
and site of infection.
Decreased incidence of
infection when used for
prophylaxis