medication management
Medications
SN instructed patient regarding medication Lipitor. SN informed patient / caregiver that Lipitor is a medication that reduces levels of bad cholesterol ( LDL ) and triglyceride in the blood while increasing the level of good cholesterol ( HDL ). SN explained that this medication is used to treat high cholesterol and to lower risk of stroke, heart attack or other heart complication in people with type 2 diabetes. SN informed patient / caregiver that patient should eat low cholesterol diet and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages when taking lipitor because it increase risk of liver damage. SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects to watch out for are unexplained muscle pain, fever and dark colored urine, swelling urinating less than usual and weight gain. SN instructed patient / caregiver to report any persistence or worsening of side effects.
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/CG on Acetaminophen pain medication usually used to treat minor to moderate pain. SN instructed patient/CG to never exceed 3000 mg in a 24 hour period. As with any medication Acetaminophen may have side effects, and if you experience SOB or a life threatening side effect please call 911 and seek emergency treatment.
Patient and caregiver instructed on precautions regarding medications like always check expirations date on medications, and dispose of expired meds, take all meds exactly as ordered. Never share medications with friends or family members or take medications that are not prescribed for you, keep medications out of reach of children, do not mix medications in bottles. Patient/caregiver instructed to keep an updated medication list in the home. Always take or send medication list to hospital or doctor's appointments with patient.
SN instructed patient and caregiver instructed on medication Amiodarone. This medication is used to stabilize the rhythm of your heart. Amiodarone is used to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Take this medication at the same time daily as directed. May take with or without food. Avoid grapefruit, St. John's wort, & sunlight or tanning beds.
SN educated patient and caregiver on medication Empagliflozin (jardiance). It is used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Empagliflozin is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in people who have type 2 diabetes along with heart and blood vessel disease.Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health.This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms. Empagliflozin may cause side effects like urinating a lot, including at night, increased thirst. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Instructed patient on medication Amiodarone. This medication is used to stabilize the rhythm of your heart. Amiodarone is used to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Take this medication at the same time daily as directed. May take with or without food. Avoid grapefruit, St. John's wort, & sunlight or tanning beds. common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or constipation. Call your doctor or get medical help at once if you have: chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, trouble breathing, vision problems, upper stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or if you cough up blood. Tell your doctor if you have signs of a thyroid problem, such as weight changes, extreme tiredness, dry skin, thinning hair, feeling too hot or too cold, irregular menstrual periods, or swelling in your neck (goiter).
Instructed in vitamin B12, ordered to management anemia and in S/E such as itching, urticaria, pain or burning in injection sites, transient diarrhea, transitory exanthema, etc.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that valacyclovir is an antiviral drug used in the management of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and herpes B. Common adverse drug reactions are the same as for valacyclovir and include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. Infrequent adverse effects may include: agitation, vertigo, confusion, dizziness, edema, arthralgia, sore throat, constipation, abdominal pain, rash, weakness and/or renal impairment. Rare adverse effects include: coma, seizures, neutropenia, leukopenia, tremor, ataxia, encephalopathy, psychotic symptoms, crystalluria, anorexia, fatigue, hepatitis, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and/or anaphylaxis.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that the combination preparation fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair diskus) is a formulation containing fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate, used in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Commun side effect / adverse reaction may include: Body aches or pain, choking, congestion, dryness of the throat, high-pitched noise when breathing, hoarseness, runny nose, sneezing, trouble with swallowing, voice changes. Less common side effect / adverse reaction: Cough-producing mucus, flu-like symptoms, irritation or inflammation of the eye, muscle pain, pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones, sleep disorders, stuffy nose, white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue.