dizziness
Medications
SN instructed patient regarding medication Furosemide. SN informed patient that Furosemide is used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure and it causes increased urination. SN instructed patient to watch out for side effects of this medication such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, and numbness / burning / tingly feeling and to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing these side effects persistently. SN informed that Lasix may deplete potassium in the body, thus needing potassium supplement or increased potassium intake ( oranges, bananas ). SN instructed patient / caregiver to report to physician ( MD ) if patient experiences vomiting, fast / uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness or increased weakness, muscle pains, or urinating less or not at all.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on medication Hydrochlorothiazide. SN explained to patient that Hydrochlorothiazide ( HCTZ ) is a medication indicated for edema and hypertension. SN explained to patient / caregiver that it is a diuretic that reduces fluid volume overload which, in turn, lowers blood pressure. Explained that side effects of this medication includes dizziness, dehydration, weakness, pancreatitis, anemia and nausea. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Lyrica. SN instructed patient that Lyrica is used to relieve nerve pain as in fibromyalgia and neuralgia. SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects of this medication includes ataxia, dizziness, peripheral edema, tremors, and weight gain. SN instructed to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Metformin. SN explained to patient / caregiver that metformin is an oral anti - diabetic medication and is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. SN explained that it is the first - line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight and obese people. SN explained that using metformin alone will help to lower blood sugar when it is too high and help restore the way food is used to make energy. SN instructed patient to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing symptoms / signs ( S / S ) of hypoglycemia such as shakiness, nervousness, sweating associated with dizziness / lightheadedness.
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 instructed patient / caregiver on the medication Oxybutynin. This medication is used to treat overactive bladder a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably ( spasms ) and cause frequent urination, an urgent need to urinate, and / or the inability to control urination. Oxybutynin is in a class of medications called anticholinergics. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles. Possible side effects included: Dry mouth or eyes ( less common - dry nose or skin ), dizziness and / or drowsiness, mild constipation, upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, blurred vision or ( eye ) sensitivity to light. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Zofran - ondansetron. This medication blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Serious side effects include blurred vision or temporary vision loss ( lasting from only a few minutes to several hours ), slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling like you might pass out, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Stop taking Zofran and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects. Ondansetron may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Zofran side effects get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zofran: rash, hives, fever, chills, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe constipation, stomach pain, or bloating, headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats, fast or pounding heartbeats, jaundice ( yellowing of the skin or eyes ); blurred vision or temporary vision loss ( lasting from only a few minutes to several hours ); high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding. Instruct to call agency for questions or concerns.
SN instructed patient on medication Torsemide. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure and edema ( fluid retention, excess fluid held in body tissues ) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, or liver disease. In addition to taking this medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking and using alcohol in moderation. To help you remember to take torsemide, take it around the same time every day. Torsemide controls high blood pressure and edema but does not cure these conditions. SN instructed to patient to continue to take torsemide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking torsemide without talking to your doctor. Common side effects of Torsemide includes: Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or sitting up, excessive urination, constipation, headache and nausea.
SN instructed patient regarding new medication Tamsulosin. This medication is used to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) such as difficult urination and inability to empty your bladder completely, common symptoms of enlarged prostate. Tamsulosin works by relaxing bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate itself and make it easier to urinate. Common side effects include dizziness, nasal congestion, rhinitis, rhinorrhea, sinus congestion and seasonal allergic rhinitis, drowsiness. Take this medication at bedtime to avoid becoming sleepy during the day. This medication may also cause you to become dizzy when standing up from a sitting or lying position, so rise slowly. Call 911 or get immediate emergency help if you have any signs of allergic reaction such as blistering rash, swelling of face; tongue, throat, or difficulty breathing. Patient verbalized understanding of all teaching.
SN instructed patient about the drug lisinopril is a drug of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor class used primarily in treatment of hypertension ACE is important because it is an enzyme responsible for producing the chemical, angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes muscles in most arteries, including the arteries of the heart, to contract, thereby narrowing the arteries and elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril lower blood pressure by reducing the production of angiotensin II, thereby relaxing arterial muscle and enlarging arteries. When the blood pressure is lower, the heart - including the failing heart - does not have to work as hard to pump blood. The arteries supplying the heart with blood also enlarge during treatment with ACE inhibitors. This increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, further improving the ability of the heart to pump bloodSide effects include: dizziness due to a drop in blood pressure, trouble breathing, blistering, peeling, red skin rash, confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips, dark urine or pale stools. Pt verbalized understanding.