patient-unable
Medications
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Coumadin / Warfarin. SN explained to patient / caregiver that Coumadin / Warfarin is an anticoagulant which is prescribed to people with an increased tendency for thrombosis or as secondary prophylaxis ( prevention of further episodes ) in those individuals that have already formed a blood clot ( thrombus ). Explained that Warfarin treatment can help prevent formation of future blood clots and help reduce the risk of embolism. Informed that Warfarin will prolong bleeding time, instructed to avoid activities that increase risks of trauma. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the adverse effects of this medication includes: hemorrhage, nosebleeds and blood in urine or stool ( black tarry stools ). Instructed to notify physician if experiencing unusual bleeding while on this medication.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Actonel is used to treat and prevent bone loss ( osteoporosis ). SN instructed patient of the side effects of Actonel: nausea, diarrhea, constipation and headache. SN instructed patient / caregiver to report to physician of adverse effects: flu - like symptoms ( e.g., fatigue, fever, aches ), weakness, chest or stomach pain, pain when swallowing, leg or ankle swelling, joint pain, bone pain.
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 Aldactone is a potassium - sparing diuretic ( water pill ) that prevents the body from absorbing too much salt and keeps potassium levels from getting too low, treating congestive heart failure. SN instructed patient / caregiver to take Aldactone as prescribed by the doctor and do not use salt substitutes or low - sodium milk products that contain potassium, because it may increase potassium levels too much. SN explained that side effects may include mild nausea, dizziness, headache, gastric pain. SN instructed to report to physician ( MD ) if patient experiences an allergic reaction, numbness, muscle pain or weakness, irregular heartbeats, urinating less, shallow breathing or tremors.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to help clear mucous and congestion and codeine is used to quiet to cough. SN instructed patient / caregiver to take as directed and with food if stomach upset occurs. Informed that drowsiness, constipation, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headache may occur the first several days the body adjusts to the medication, call physician ( MD ) if these effects continue or become bothersome or if developing skin rash, itching or rapid heart rate. SN instructed patient / caregiver to take the needed cough medication and stop when symptoms clear up.
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 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 regarding medication Glipizide. SN informed patient / caregiver that Glipizide is used to help control blood sugar levels, causing the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the side effects include low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) can occur when on this medication. SN explained that symptoms of low blood sugar include hunger, nausea, tiredness, perspiration, headache, heart palpitations, numbness around the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold temperature, excessive yawning, irritability, confusion or loss of consciousness and should be reported to physician ( MD ) if persistently experienced.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Labetalol. SN explained to patient / caregiver that Labetalol is an anti - hypertensive medication. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes fatigue, weakness, anxiety, bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side 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.