blood sugar
Medications
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Lovenox. SN informed patient / caregiver that Lovenox prevents clots from forming in the blood stream. SN instructed to keep prefilled syringes in room temperature 59 - 86°F. SN instructed patient / caregiver on proper administration of Lovenox and provided handout. SN informed that the most common side effect associated with Lovenox is bleeding. SN instructed to call Physician ( MD ) if patient / caregiver experiences any increased pain or symptoms / signs ( s / s ) of internal bleeding. SN Informed that a mild local irritation, pain, hematoma, ecchymosis, and erythema may occur at the site of injection. SN instructed to rotate injection sites around abdomen.
Lovastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Lovastatin is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. Lovastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, it may interact with lovastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking lovastatin. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lovastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. Common side effects may include: constipation, stomach pain; muscle cramps; or headache. You can lower your Cholesterol by avoiding alcohol and avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, You can add soluble fiber to your diet by eating oats and fruits, beans, lentils, and vegetables. Exercise on most days of the week and increase your physical activity.
Patient and CG instructed on Pravastatin. Pravastatin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. Pravastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with or without coronary heart disease or other risk factors. Pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to pravastatin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Stop using and call your doctor at once if you have:unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; fever, unusual tiredness; dark colored urine; chest pain; upper stomach pain, loss of appetite; or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Common pravastatin side effects may include: muscle or joint pain; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
Patient instructed on risk for internal bleeding R/T taking Warfarin. Any s/s of an internal bleed include: abdominal pain, black, tarry or bright red stool, coffee ground emesis, coughing up blood, unusual dark purple large bruising, & bloody urine. Patient should to seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
Patient instructed on Symbicort as following: is used long-term to improve symptoms of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for better breathing and fewer flare-ups. Do not use Symbicort for sudden severe symptoms of COPD or asthma. Use only as directed. SE include chest pain, fast and irregular heartbeat, tremor, increased blood pressure, headache or nervousness, Fungal infection in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using Symbicort to help reduce your chance of getting thrush. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms: increase in mucus production or change in color, fever, increased cough, chills, or increased breathing problems.
SN instructed patient/ CG about Miralax to relieve constipation. SN instructed that MiraLax is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements. Common MiraLax side effects may include: bloating, gas, upset stomach; dizziness; or increased sweating.Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to MiraLax such as: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: severe or bloody diarrhea; rectal bleeding; blood in your stools; or severe and worsening stomach pain.
Instructed patient on Prednisone which is used for allergy reactions, rheumatoid arthritis among other diseases. Side effects include: swelling in hands, face and feet, increased hunger, muscle weakness and abdominal distention. One interaction of Prednisone is it may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure.
SN instructed patient on new medication Cholestyramine: This medication is known as a bile acid-binding resin. It works by removing bile acid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower the cholesterol levels, patient verbalized understanding.
Metolazone is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome. Metolazone is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Possible side effects to be aware of include low potassium, headache, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision.
SN instructed that when you're congested, it’s because your nasal passages are swollen. This makes them feel blocked. The swelling leads to increased mucus production, which causes a runny nose. When DNSs such as Afrin shrink blood vessels, they reduce the inflammation and the associated mucus production providing temporary relief.