pain management
Medications
SN instructed patient / caregiver about Methylprednisolone ( Medrol ), it is a corticosteroid used to treat severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, and skin conditions. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Possible side effects, that may go away during treatment, include difficulty sleeping, mood changes, nervousness, increased appetite, or indigestion. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience swelling of feet or legs unusual weight gain black, tarry stools vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds severe nausea or vomiting changes in menstrual periods headache muscle weakness or prolonged sore throat, cold or fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. DO NOT stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause serious side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine makes you more susceptible to illnesses, especially if you take it for an extended period of time. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people who have colds or other infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, or muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months after stopping this medicine.
Sn instructed patient on new medication, patient was told that Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for relieving pain, helping with fever and reducing inflammation. Ibuprofen may be a weaker anti-inflammatory than other NSAIDs. Compared to other NSAIDs it may have fewer side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding. However if stomach upsets occur patient was advised to take with food. Understanding was verbalized.
SN instructed that the ibuprofen at low doses it does not appear to increase the risk of myocardial infarction; however, at higher doses it may. It may result in worsened asthma. Like other NSAIDs it works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are fat-like molecules that are derived from the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid, which are involved in mediating inflammation, pain and fever. Patient verbalized understanding of given information.
SN instructed patient about medication Tramadol a narcotic - like pain reliever. You should not take tramadol if you are allergic to it, or if you have: severe asthma or breathing problems; a blockage in your stomach or intestines; if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic medications. Patient verbalized understanding the teaching. Those teaching will be reinforced.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic ( pain reliever ) and antitussive ( cough suppressant ). SN instructed patient / caregiver that 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 / caregiver not to take more than 8 tabs in one day and wait 6 hours in between administration to avoid complications.
SN instructed patient regarding medication Ciprofloxacin which is the antibiotic prescribed by patient's physician for UTI. SN instructed patient that the medication's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. SN Instructed patient to notify physician if any of these symptoms persist or worsen. Emphasized to patient the importance of completing the full course of the antibiotic regimen as prescribed to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect of the medication.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Actos is an antidiabetic med that is used to lower blood sugar. SN explained that it is important to not take medication when blood sugar is low. SN instructed to patient / caregiver to check blood sugar level before taking the medication to avoid hypoglycemia. SN instructed that side effects of the medication include: SOB, swelling or rapid weight gain, chest pain, N / V, jaundice, blurred vision, pale skin, easy bruising. SN instructed patient / caregiver to inform physician if experiencing any of these side effect.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Advair Diskus is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis. SN instructed patient / caregiver on common side effects including upper respiratory tract infection & headaches. SN instructed to call physician / nurse for adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth or throat candidiasis, or musculoskeletal pain.
Sn instructed patient about Bystolic. This is a prescription medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called “beta blockers.” The most common side effects people taking Bystolic report are headache, fatigue ( tiredness ), dizziness ( if you feel dizzy, sit or lie down and tell your doctor right away ), diarrhea, nausea, insomnia ( difficulty falling or staying asleep ), chest pain, bradycardia ( slow heartbeat ), dyspnea ( shortness of breath ), rash, and peripheral edema ( leg swelling due to fluid retention ). Other possible side effects include masking ( hiding ) the symptoms of low blood sugar and hyperthyroidism ( overactive thyroid ), especially a fast heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you gain weight or have trouble breathing while taking Bystolic. Patient verbalized fair understanding .
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.