high blood pressure
Medications
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Percocet is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain - containing two drugs: acetaminophen and oxycodone. Explained that Acetaminophen is used to reduce both pain and fever & Oxycodone is used for its calming effect and for pain. Explained that the common side effects include dizziness, light - headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting. SN instructed that side effects may be alleviated by lying down and if they persist or worsen to notify Physician. SN instructed to call physician immediately if the patient experiences slow / irregular breathing, slow / irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine or any allergic reactions. SN instructed patient to drink at least 8 glasses of water and eat foods that are high in fiber such as apples, peaches, oranges and oats if constipation is experienced.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that bumetanide ( trade names Bumex or Burinex ) is a loop diuretic to treat heart failure. It is often used in people in whom high doses of furosemide are ineffective. Instructed that is used to reduce extra fluid in the body ( edema ) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. Bumetanide is a “ water pill ” ( diuretic ) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. Dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly, If this effect persists or worsens. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. It may cause a serious loss of body water ( dehydration ) and salt / minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects such as: muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth / thirst, nausea, vomiting, fast / irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine.
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/CG about proper nutrition while taking antibiotics. Taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of diarrhea, although the two should be taken a few hours apart. Probiotics can also help restore the gut bacteria after antibiotics. Fermented foods contain healthy bacteria, including Lactobacilli, which can help restore damage to the microbiota caused by antibiotics. Yogurt may also reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. High-fiber foods like whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables can help the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. They should be eaten after taking antibiotics but not during, as fiber may reduce antibiotic absorption. Probiotics are foods that help the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and may help restore the gut microbiota after taking antibiotics. SN instructed also to avoid the ingestion of grapefruit and calcium-fortified foods while on antibiotics since they can affect how antibiotics are absorbed in the body.
Patient instructed Pravastatin is a medication used to treat high cholesterol. Instructed to follow a low fat diet to help reduce cholesterol. May take with or without food. Medication should be taken in the evening. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with pravastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
Patient instructed Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Labs will need to be drawn routinely to check effectiveness & dose may need to be changed. Patient instructed to take this medication 30min. before breakfast & all other meds. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole, with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The tablet may dissolve very quickly and could swell in your throat. Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less levothyroxine: grapefruit juice, infant soy formula, soybean flour, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures. Alendronate is used to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause, steroid use, or gonadal failure. This medicine is for use when you have a high risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis. Common side effects may include heartburn, upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, bone pain, or muscle or joint pain. SN instructed pt to report if she experiences any of these s/sx. Pt voiced understanding.
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.
Instructed patient on new medication Sulindac. Sulindac may also be used for purposes not listed. Sulindac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine. You should not use sulindac if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed in new medication Calcium and in S/E such as headache, weakness, dizziness, paresthesia, chest pressure, facial flushing, edema of feet, eye pain, nasal congestion, transient nausea, unusual taste, diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting, epigastric discomfort, abdominal pain, increased urinary frequency, nocturia, shortness of breath, rash, pruritus of ear lobes, inflammation at injection site, hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis), chills and tender palms and soles.