patient-unable
Medications
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Lyrica. SN instructed patient that Lyrica is used to relieve nerve pain as in fibromyalgia and neuralgia. SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects of this medication includes ataxia, dizziness, peripheral edema, tremors, and weight gain. SN instructed to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Metformin. SN explained to patient / caregiver that metformin is an oral anti - diabetic medication and is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. SN explained that it is the first - line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight and obese people. SN explained that using metformin alone will help to lower blood sugar when it is too high and help restore the way food is used to make energy. SN instructed patient to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing symptoms / signs ( S / S ) of hypoglycemia such as shakiness, nervousness, sweating associated with dizziness / lightheadedness.
SN instructed patient that the Glipizide is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels by helping your pancreas produce insulin. That is used together with diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes. Instructed patient to follow doctors orders and that it is to be taken 30 minutes before a meal twice a day. Reviewed symptoms / signs of hypoglycemia: headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Instructed on common side effects: mild nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness or skin rash, redness or itching. Instructed patient to call 911 in the event of hives; difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
SN instructed patient on proper use of insulin such as keeping currently in use vials in refrigerator not in freezer, take insulin exactly as prescribed and never to adjust dose without orders from physician ( MD ), and to never use insulin that has changed color or consistency. SN educated patient on sites of body that insulin can be administered including abdomen, upper arms, thighs or buttocks. Patient verbalized understanding.
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 in medication Famotidine is used to treat ulcers gastroesophageal reflux. Both the patient and the caregiver verbalized understanding.. Both the patient and the caregiver verbalized understanding.
SN educated patient on sucralfate medication. Patient was instructed that this medication is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the intestines. Sucralfate forms a coating over ulcers, protecting the area from further injury. This helps ulcers heal more quickly. Patient verbalized understanding.
Patient and caregiver educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Topiramat (Topamax). Topamax can induce extreme dry mouth and diarrhea. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with fluid supplementation. Topamax intake can induce some dizziness. Also, Topamax use can result in a side-effect of increased ammonia in the blood, which also contributes to increased nausea, confusion, and dizziness. Patient instructed to avoid activities where loss of consciousness (passing out) could result in serious danger to self or those around you (including swimming, driving a car, climbing in high places, etc.). Patient instructed to talk to his doctor before engaging in such activities.
SN instructed patient to keep pre-filled syringes at room temperature. SN instructed/demonstrated patient / caregiver on proper administration of Lovenox. SN informed that the most common side effect associated with Lovenox is bleeding. Patient was instructed to call Physician (MD) they experience any increased pain signs or symptoms of excessive bleeding/bruising. SN Informed that mild localized irritation, pain, hematoma, ecchymosis may occur at the site of injection.
Instructed in new medication Vioxx to manage osteoarthritis. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, asthenia, fatigue, dizziness, aseptic meningitis, hypertension, lower-extremity edema, sinusitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, epigastric discomfort, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, GI bleeding, urinary tract infection, hyponatremia, back pain, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pulmonary edema and flu-like syndrome. Patient may experience signs and symptoms of GI bleeding, including bloody vomitus, blood in urine and stool and black, tarry stools. Advised to call MD if he experiences these signs or symptoms. Report rash, unexplained weight gain or edema. Avoid aspirin and products containing aspirin unless prescriber has instructed otherwise. Avoid OTC anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Advil) unless prescriber has instructed it. All NSAIDs including Rofecoxib may adversely affect the liver. Signs and symptoms of liver toxicity include nausea, fatigue, lethargy, itching, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness and flu-like syndrome. Instructed to stop therapy and call MD immediately if patient experiences these signs or symptoms. Women must inform MD if they become pregnant, or they are planning on becoming pregnant while taking drugs. This drug may be taken without regard to food although taking it with food may decrease GI distress. The most common adverse effects of this drug are dyspepsia, epigastric discomfort, heartburn and nausea. Taking drug with food may help minimize these effects.