Acyclovir and Ganciclovir

by Cathy Parkes April 21, 2021 Updated: April 05, 2022

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir are antiviral medications.

Both medications have a key side effect of nephrotoxicity. Ganciclovir can also cause bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).

See our full article on antiviral medications!

Cathy Parkes

Hemodialysis: Patient Teaching

A patient undergoing hemodialysis may have an arteriovenous fistula in the arm. Educate patient that blood pressures, IVs, and blood draws must be done from the arm without the shunt. Also educate patients not to sleep on the arm with the fistula, and perform hand exercises to mature a new fistula.

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Corticosteroids: Patient Teaching

Patients taking corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone) are at increased risk of infection. Monitor for signs of infection, and educate patients taking these medications to avoid crowded areas and perform frequent hand hygiene.

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