heart healthy diet
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Digoxin. Explained that Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm to treat A - fib. Explained that the side effects may include mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. SN instructed patient / caregiver to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather or by not drinking enough fluids, because Digoxin overdose can occur more easily if dehydrated, and to call 911 if overdose is suspected. Explained that the overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, severe vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights or objects, severe skin rash, fast / slow or uneven heartbeats, and feeling like passing out. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistent side effects or adverse effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Glimepiride. SN instructed patient / caregiver that Glimepiride is a antidiabetic medication that lowers blood sugar level. SN instructed patient / caregiver to check blood sugar before taking the medication to avoid hypoglycemia. SN explained to patient / caregiver that low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) can occur during glimepiride therapy. SN explained that the symptoms of low blood sugar include hunger, nausea, tiredness, perspiration, headache, heart palpitations, numbness around the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold temperature, excessive yawning, irritability, confusion, or loss of consciousness. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence of these side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Glipizide. SN informed patient / caregiver that Glipizide is used to help control blood sugar levels, causing the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the side effects include low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) can occur when on this medication. SN explained that symptoms of low blood sugar include hunger, nausea, tiredness, perspiration, headache, heart palpitations, numbness around the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold temperature, excessive yawning, irritability, confusion or loss of consciousness and should be reported to physician ( MD ) if persistently experienced.
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 and caregiver on good fats vs bad fats basically. There are two groups of fats: saturated and unsaturated. Within each group are several more types of fats. The unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats include polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. Both mono and polyunsaturated fats, when eaten in moderation and used to replace saturated or trans fats, can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease, Polyunsaturated fats, found mostly in vegetable oils, help lower both blood cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, especially when you substitute them for saturated fats. One type of polyunsaturated fat is omega - 3 fatty acids.
SN instructed patient that Eliquis is used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat ( atrial fibrillation ) or after hip/knee replacement surgery. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can lead to blood clots forming, which can travel to other parts of your body (such as the lungs or legs) or increase your risk for stroke. In the United States, apixaban is also approved to treat certain types of blood clots ( deep vein thrombosis - DVT, pulmonary embolus - PE ) and to prevent them from forming again. Eliquis is an anticoagulant that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in your blood. SN also instructed that Nausea, easy bruising, or minor bleeding ( such as nosebleed, bleeding from cuts ) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication can cause serious bleeding if it affects your blood clotting proteins too much. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of serious bleeding, including: unusual pain / swelling / discomfort, unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, persistent / frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy / prolonged menstrual flow, pink/dark urine, coughing up blood, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, severe headache, dizziness / fainting, unusual or persistent tiredness / weakness, bloody / black / tarry stools, difficulty swallowing.
SN explained that the Chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ) can’t be cured, but you can control leg swelling to reduce the likelihood of ulcers ( sores ). Recognizing the symptoms Be aware of the following: If you stand or sit with your feet down for long periods, your legs may ache or feel heavy. Swollen ankles are possibly the most common symptom of Chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ). As swelling increases, the skin over your ankles may show red spots or a brownish tinge. The skin may feel leathery or scaly, and may start to itch. If swelling is not controlled, an ulcer ( open wound ) may form. What you can do Reduce your risk of developing ulcers by doing the following: Increase blood flow back to your heart by elevating your legs, exercising daily, and wearing elastic stockings. Boost blood flow in your legs by losing excess weight. If you must stand or sit in one place for a period of time, keep your blood moving by wiggling your toes, shifting your body position, and rising up on the balls of your feet. Pt verbalizes understanding.
SN instructed patient High blood pressure often has no warning signs or symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it. Some symptoms may include headache, blurred vision, nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping or facial flushing. Even with no symptoms, hypertension needs ongoing treatment to protect the heart, kidneys and other organs from further damage.
Instructed patient Contact your healthcare provider or physician immediately: ff you have an irregular heart rate, your fluids or using cool mist humidification. If you have any other problems or concerns. If you feel increased pain or discomfort.
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.