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Nursing student with Central Nervous System Question

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Posted over 2 years ago

 

New Nurse-When administering medications which affect the Central Nervous System, what should I assess f0r?


 I think it would be peripheral pulses or respiratory rate? Please advise. thanks

Humpback_whale_max50

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Rated: +1 | Posted almost 2 years ago

 

Dear Cheddarcheese,


You're giving a med that will affect the brain and spinal cord, so you would assess respirations, heart rate and pulse. Any impairment in speech or motor function could indicate a problem with the drug, too. Always proceed from head to toe with you initial assessment after administering any meds.

Ashley_and_dad_max50

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Rated: +1 | Posted almost 2 years ago

 

The head-to-toe assessment really covers what is needed, because if you have a change that is physiologic, psychologic, neurologic, behavioral/affect of the patient; if you didn't know what it looked like before you gave the drug, how are you going to know if anything changed?


Tom, PhD, MPH, BS(N), RN-C, CHN

Me_in_cocceticut_max50

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Rate This | Posted almost 2 years ago

 

touche'

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Rate This | Posted almost 2 years ago

 

" Pupils check, apical rate, respiratory/SPO2  and BP readings.Weight -bearing status,assessing Ataxic Gait. Any slurred speech?


   Also, it helps to check w/Pharmacy for cross-referencing meds among patient's profile,to r/o negative interactions and effects


    on the therapeutic levels,ie.Kepra,Dilantin, Phenobarbital,Lithium.Good luck to you."


 

Me_in_cocceticut_max50

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Rate This | Posted almost 2 years ago

 

Good post ninelives..Teresa