including damage eyes retinopathy which can lead blindness damage nerves neuropathy
Medications
SN instructed pt regarding Keppra (levetiracetam), it is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. Keppra is usually taken once every 12 to 24 hours. Take the medicine at the same time each day. You may take this medicine with or without food. Use Keppra regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Keppra and may also increase the risk of seizures. Levetiracetam may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid doing anything that requires your attention until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents. Common Keppra side effects may include: dizziness, drowsiness; feeling tired; weakness; feeling aggressive or irritable; loss of appetite; stuffy nose; or infection. Call your doctor at once if you have: unusual changes in mood or behavior (unusual risk-taking behavior, being irritable or talkative); confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance or coordination; extreme drowsiness, feeling very weak or tired; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; problems with walking or movement; the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or signs of an infection - fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing. Pt verbalized understanding of uses and denies experiencing any SE. Pt stated he does not drink alcohol.
Lactulose is an ammonia reducer and laxative. It can treat constipation. It can also treat liver disease. Possible s/e If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor: Gas or burping, Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, Stomach pain or cramps.
Instructed in that "oxygen therapy" is the administration of oxygen at a higher concentration than what is found in the environment. It can be given via cannula, mask catheter, etc. Oxygen must be ordered by a MD and administered exactly as prescribed.
Instructed in new medication Protonix to manage esophagitis. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, asthenia, dizziness, chest pain, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, eructation, constipation, nausea, vomiting, urinary frequency, hyperglycemia, back pain, neck pain, hypertonia, rash, bronchitis, increased cough, etc. The drug can be taken without regard to meal.
Instructed in new medication Levaquin to manage infection. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, encephalopathy, chest pain, palpitations, vasodilation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, vaginitis, eosinophilia, hypoglycemia, back pain, tendon rupture, rash, pruritus, hypersensitivity reactions, etc. Instructed to take drug as prescribed, even if signs and symptoms disappear. Take drug with plenty of fluids and avoid antacids, sucralfate, and products containing iron or zinc for at least 2 hours before and after each dose. Avoid excessive sunlight, use sun block, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Stop drug usage and notify prescriber if rash or other S/S of hypersensitivity develop. Notify prescriber if patient experiences pain or inflammation. Tendon rupture can occur with drug. Instructed to Diabetic patient to monitor glucose level and notify prescriber if a hypoglycemia reaction occurs. Notify prescriber if loose stools or diarrhea occurs.
Instructed in new medication Aricept to manage moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnormal dreams, somnolence, seizures, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain, chest pain, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension, cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain, frequent urination, ecchymosis, weight loss, dehydration, muscle cramps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture, dyspnea, bronchitis, pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, influenza, and increased libido. The drug does not alter the underlying degenerative disease but can temporarily stabilize or relieve symptoms. Effective therapy depends on taking drug at regular intervals. Instructed to take drug in the evening, just before bedtime. Immediately report significant adverse effects or changes in overall health status. Inform health care team that patient is taking drug before he receives anesthesia. Avoid OTC cold or sleep remedies because of the potential for increased anticholinergic effects.
Instructed patient about Allopuriniol, and why it should be administered with foods to decrease gastrointestinal discomforts. It can be crushed and mixed with foods to help patients with swallowing difficulties.
Patient was instructed on list of precautions regarding medications: Herbal and vitamins supplements and over the counter medications can affect certain medications. Always ask the doctor or nurse about supplements before taking them.
Patient was instructed on how to react at drugs side effects: Avoid hot showers they can cause dizziness. Explained to the patient to weight at least once a week at the same time of the day, (such as the first thing in the morning) and report weight changes of more than 1 to 2 pounds in 1 week.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Plavix is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease. Avoid alcohol as very serious interactions can occur. To take this medication regularly with or without food. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.