pain management
Medications
SN instructed patient / caregiver educated on medication Ethambutol. SN explained to patient that Ethambutol is an anti - tuberculous medication indicated for mycobacterial diseases such as Mycobacterium Avium Complex ( MAC ) and is usually used in combination with other anti - mycobacterial anti - infectives. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes optic neuritis, hepatitis, abdominal pain, headaches, joint pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver instructed on medication Ketorolac. SN explained that Ketorolac is a non - opioid anti - inflammatory drug that works to decrease pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and producing peripherally mediated analgesia. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes drowsiness, gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhea, dry mouth and constipation. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence of side effects or if rash, itching, weight gain, edema, black stools, headache, or chills fever or muscle pain develops.
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 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 that venelex ointment contains balsam peru 87.0mg and castor oil usp 788.0mg in an ointment base of glyceryl monostearate and trypsin. It promotes debridement of eschar and other necrotic tissue. Balsam peru is a effective capillary bed stimulant used to increase circulation in the wound site area. Also, balsam peru has a mildly bactericidal action. Castor oil improves epithelialization by reducing premature epithelial desiccation and cornification. Also, it can act as a protective covering and aids in the reduction of pain. Venelex ointment is used to promote wound healing and the treatment of decubitus ulcers, varicose ulcers and dehiscent wounds. Venelex™ ointment is easy to apply and quickly reduces odors frequently accompanying a decubitus ulcer. The wound may be left open or appropriate dressing applied. Please note that wounds generally heal poorly in the presence of hemoglobin or zinc deficiency. Venelex™ ointment can relieve pain and promote healing. Venelex ointment is for external use only. Do not apply to fresh arterial clots. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep this and all other medications out of reach of children. Keep tightly closed. Use only as directed by a physician. When applied to a sensitive area, a temporary stinging may occur. Apply a thin film of venelex™ ointment topically a minimum of twice daily or as often as necessary. Wound may be left unbandaged or appropriate dressing can be applied. To remove, wash gently with an appropriate wound cleanser.
SN instructed pt regarding Keppra (levetiracetam), it is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. Keppra is usually taken once every 12 to 24 hours. Take the medicine at the same time each day. You may take this medicine with or without food. Use Keppra regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Keppra and may also increase the risk of seizures. Levetiracetam may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid doing anything that requires your attention until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents. Common Keppra side effects may include: dizziness, drowsiness; feeling tired; weakness; feeling aggressive or irritable; loss of appetite; stuffy nose; or infection. Call your doctor at once if you have: unusual changes in mood or behavior (unusual risk-taking behavior, being irritable or talkative); confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance or coordination; extreme drowsiness, feeling very weak or tired; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; problems with walking or movement; the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or signs of an infection - fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing. Pt verbalized understanding of uses and denies experiencing any SE. Pt stated he does not drink alcohol.
SN instructed patient/ caregiver about Gentamicin. SN explained that Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Gentamicin is used to treat severe or serious bacterial infections. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to gentamicin or similar antibiotics such as amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or tobramycin. Common side effects may include: vision problems; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; itching or rash; pain where the medicine was injected; a headache, mood changes; or joint pain. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Instructed patient on isorsobide which is used to treat and prevent chest pain, side effects of isorsobide are headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working; treat it with an aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever as recommended by your doctor. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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 instructed Protonix (pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Take once daily in the morning with or without food. Common Protonix side effects may include: headache, dizziness; stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; joint pain; or fever, rash, or cold symptoms. Instructed to notify prescriber if unusual or bothersome side effects occur or medication is not effective.