depression
SN instructed patient that Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat certain inflammatory diseases and for many different indications including: asthma, COPD, CIDP, rheumatic disorders, allergic disorders, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, hypercalcemia due to cancer, thyroiditis, laryngitis, severe tuberculosis, urticaria ( hives ), lipid pneumonitis. Possible side effect may include, Increased blood sugar for diabetics, Difficulty controlling emotion, Difficulty in maintaining train of thought, Weight gain, Immunosuppression, Facial swelling, Severe, Depression, mania, psychosis, or other psychiatric symptoms, Unusual fatigue or weakness, Mental confusion / indecisiveness, Memory and attention dysfunction (Steroid dementia syndrome), Blurred vision. Take prednisone as ordered.
SN instructed that the Lithium is used to treat the manic episodes of manic depression. Manic symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger. It also helps to prevent or lessen the intensity of manic episodes. Drink extra fluids each day to keep from getting dehydrated while you are taking lithium. Tell your doctor if you have been sweating excessively, or if you are sick with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for more than a few hours.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about the medication Isosorbide. SN explained that Isosorbide is a medication given to reduce the blood pressure and that it also reduces the heart rate. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes fatigue, anxiety, weakness, dizziness, tachycardia, pulmonary edema, constipation and dry mouth. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence of side effects or if experiencing blurred vision, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, light - headedness, confusion, depression or dry mouth.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Metoprolol. Metoprolol is used for treating high blood pressure, heart pain, abnormal rhythms of the heart, and some neurologic conditions; it reduces the force of contraction of heart muscle and thereby lowers blood pressure. Side effects to report to physician ( MD ) when taking Metoprolol including diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, memory loss, fever, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing. If experiencing any of these side effects or when systolic BP is >160 or < 90 and / or diastolic BP is > 90 or < 60 notify physician ( MD )
SN instructed patient / caregiver on service authorization, advance directives, rights and responsibilities, rights of the elderly and obtained necessary signatures. Instructed patient / caregiver on 24 hour nurse availability and provided / posted the agency telephone number. Also instructed that after hours, weekends and holidays an answering service will reach the nurse and he / she will return the patient / caregiver call and answer any questions or make a visit if needed. Patient and caregiver stated understanding. Patient and caregiver educated on diabetic diet, diabetic foot care, symptoms / signs ( s / s ) of depression, managing pain with medications, healthy skin, and pressure ulcer prevention. Leaflets left in home.
Fibromyalgia is one of a group of chronic pain disorders that affect connective tissues, including the muscles, ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that bind together the ends of bones), and tendons (which attach muscles to bones). The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Various physical or emotional factors may play a role in triggering symptoms; most common symptoms are fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety. SN instructed patient to take fibromyalgia medications as prescribed by the doctor, and do regular cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, swimming, or biking, which are helpful in reducing muscle pain and improving muscle strength and fitness in fibromyalgia.
SN educated patient on Bupropion. This medication is used to treat major depression. This medication works by helping to restore the balance of natural chemicals in the brain. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food. If nausea occurs, you may take this drug with food. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Swallow tablets whole. Since this drug may cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take near bedtime. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion will increase your risk of having a seizure. side effects may include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, flushing, headache/migraine, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, strange taste in mouth, weakness, drowsiness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Patient voiced understanding.
SN also instructed pt on the disease process of hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland controls a lot of our body functions, when it is unable to produce the amount of thyroid hormone your body needs, you will need to take this hormone orally. Take this medication everyday as ordered by your MD. Report to SN or MD if you have sensitivity to cold temperature, dry skin, constipation, forgetfulness, chronic fatigue, decreased heart rate, depression, hair loss, weight gain, muscle stiffness and cramping, as these can be signs your medication is not the correct dose.
Alzheimer's Instructed caregiver managing behavioral symptoms Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), especially agitation, aggression, depression and psychosis, are the leading causes for assisted living or nursing facility placement. Early recognition and treatment can reduce the costs of caring for these patients and improve the quality of life of the patient and caregiver. Caregiver verbalized.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diazepam can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment or for people who've had problems with drug or alcohol abuse. This high risk benzodiazepine should never be taken more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed due to risk of overdose. S/s overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, lethargy and respiratory depression and even death in severe cases, especially when combined with EtOH or opiates. Patient and caregiver state they will only administer this medication as prescribed.