medication compliance
Medications
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 Lantus insulin. SN instructed patient / caregiver that insulin is used by the body to remove and use glucose from the blood and produce energy and that it is used in type 2 diabetes to overcome the resistance of the cells to insulin. SN explained that Lantus insulin starts working after 1 - 2 hours and peaks after 6 hours after injection, and has a duration of 18 - 26 hours. SN informed that hypoglycemia is the most common side effect that may occur during insulin therapy. SN instructed patient / caregiver to rotate insulin injection sites to avoid bruising and injury.
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.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Metoprolol. Metoprolol is used for treating high blood pressure, heart pain, abnormal rhythms of the heart, and some neurologic conditions; it reduces the force of contraction of heart muscle and thereby lowers blood pressure. Side effects to report to physician ( MD ) when taking Metoprolol including diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, memory loss, fever, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing. If experiencing any of these side effects or when systolic BP is >160 or < 90 and / or diastolic BP is > 90 or < 60 notify physician ( MD )
SN instructed patient about medication safety. Keep medicines in one place. Don't waste time searching the house for pills. Keep them together in a single location provided by SN. Explained to never remove the label from the bottle. Always keep medicine container tightly closed. Informed to do not mix different medicine into the same bottle to prevent taking the wrong medicine by accident.
SN instructed about the use of Januvia ( Sitagliptin ) is used along with diet and exercise and sometimes with other medications to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances that lower blood sugar when it is high. Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life - threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication,making lifestyle changes, and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes - related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage, eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease.
SN instructed patient that Bactrim DS is an antibiotic used to treat Urinary tract Infection ( UTI ). Instructed to use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Instructed the most common side effects have included nausea, vomiting, anorexia, rash, and urticaria. Instructed to notify physician ( MD ) of any side effects.
SN instructed patient that Furosemide 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. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a "water pill" ( diuretic ) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. SN also instructed patient that Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache or blurred vision may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
SN instructed patient that Fluticasone is used to relieve seasonal and year-round allergic and non - allergic nasal symptoms, such as stuffy / runny nose, itching, and sneezing. It can also help relieve allergy eye symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works in your nose to block the effects of substances that cause allergies ( such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold ) and to reduce swelling. SN instructed that Nasal dryness / irritation, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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.