patient-unable
Medications
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 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 regarding new medication Tamsulosin. This medication is used to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) such as difficult urination and inability to empty your bladder completely, common symptoms of enlarged prostate. Tamsulosin works by relaxing bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate itself and make it easier to urinate. Common side effects include dizziness, nasal congestion, rhinitis, rhinorrhea, sinus congestion and seasonal allergic rhinitis, drowsiness. Take this medication at bedtime to avoid becoming sleepy during the day. This medication may also cause you to become dizzy when standing up from a sitting or lying position, so rise slowly. Call 911 or get immediate emergency help if you have any signs of allergic reaction such as blistering rash, swelling of face; tongue, throat, or difficulty breathing. Patient verbalized understanding of all teaching.
SN educated patient on Bupropion. This medication is used to treat major depression. This medication works by helping to restore the balance of natural chemicals in the brain. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food. If nausea occurs, you may take this drug with food. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Swallow tablets whole. Since this drug may cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take near bedtime. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion will increase your risk of having a seizure. side effects may include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, flushing, headache/migraine, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, strange taste in mouth, weakness, drowsiness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Patient voiced understanding.
Patient instructed on risk for internal bleeding R/T taking Warfarin. Any s/s of an internal bleed include: abdominal pain, black, tarry or bright red stool, coffee ground emesis, coughing up blood, unusual dark purple large bruising, & bloody urine. Patient should to seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
Patient instructed Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Labs will need to be drawn routinely to check effectiveness & dose may need to be changed. Patient instructed to take this medication 30min. before breakfast & all other meds. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole, with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The tablet may dissolve very quickly and could swell in your throat. Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less levothyroxine: grapefruit juice, infant soy formula, soybean flour, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.
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.
SN instructed patient on new medication Cholestyramine: This medication is known as a bile acid-binding resin. It works by removing bile acid from the body. In people with high cholesterol, this causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol in the blood. This helps to lower the cholesterol levels, patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient on importance of pain management. Take pain medication as ordered. Do not wait for pain to become severe. If your pain is not controlled and you are taking your medication as prescribed contact your doctor or nurse. Do not take your medication more often than prescribed without talking with your physician. Patient verbalized instruction.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on medication diazepam, explained that this should be used during times of anxiety. Advised it can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, it increases the patient fall risk as well. Both parties verbalized understanding.