skin breakdown
Medications
SN instructed patient and care giver that Silvadene is used with other treatments to help prevent and treat wound and skin infections. Silver sulfadiazine (silvadene) works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Silver sulfadiazine belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. Possible SE may include: pain, burning, or itching of the treated skin. Skin and mucous membranes (such as the gums) may become blue/gray in color. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
SN educated patient and caregiver on Lidocaine patches. These patches are used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pains, or aches that may last for months or years after a shingles infection). It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals. To apply the patches, follow these steps: 1. Look at the skin that you plan to cover with a lidocaine patch. If the skin is broken or blistered, do not apply a patch to that area. 2. Use scissors to remove the outer seal from the package. Then pull apart the zipper seal. 3. Remove up to three patches from the package and press the zipper seal tightly together. The remaining patches may dry out if the zipper seal is not tightly closed. 4. Cut patch(es) to the size and shape that will cover your most painful area. 5. Peel the transparent liner off the back of the patch(es). 6. Press the patch(es) firmly onto your skin. If you are applying a patch to your face, be careful not to let it touch your eyes. If you do get lidocaine in your eye, wash it with plenty of water or saline solution. 7. Wash your hands after handling lidocaine patches. 8. Do not reuse lidocaine patches.
Instructed patient on new medication Santyl ointment. It is used for removing the dead skin from wounds or burned areas. Santyl ointment is an enzymatic debriding ointment. It works by breaking down dead skin.
SN instructed patient and caregiver about Bactrim. Bactrim is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, ear infections, enteritis, pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, and episodes of difficulty breathing in people with chronic bronchitis. Serious allergic reactions, such as skin rash, sore throat, fever, joint pain, cough, shortness of breath, paleness, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. Low platelet levels that may be life-threatening, but usually go back to normal within a week of stopping treatment with Bactrim. Watery and bloody stools.
SN instructed patient and/or caregiver that Cephalexin is an antibiotic that can treat a number of bacterial infections. Common adverse effects of Cefalexin, like other oral cephalosporins, are gastrointestinal , disturbances and hypersensitivity reactions. Gastrointestinal disturbances include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hypersensitivity reactions include skin rashes, urticaria, fever, and anaphylaxis. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with use of Cefalexin. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing, or red, blistered, swollen, or peeling skin.
SN instructed patient about Triple antibiotic ointment Neosporin, it is an antibiotic product marketed for the prevention of infections and speeding the healing of wounds. Neosporin is recommended for burns, scratches, and minor cuts. It is most effective when affected area is cleaned before application of ointment. It is for external use only and should not go near mucus membranes such as the eyes or mouth. It is not recommended for children under the age of two. There are no known side effects when using neosporin, however users should immediately seek medical attention when experiencing hives, rashes, or itching. Any skin irritations such as pain, burning, or cracked skin that were not present prior to use of ointment must receive immediate care.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about Diphenhydramine( Benadryl). It is a first-generation antihistamine used to treat a number of conditions including allergic symptoms and itchiness, the common cold, insomnia, motion sickness, and extrapyramidal symptoms. It is a potent anticholinergic agent. This activity is responsible for multiples side effects such as: dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, pupil dilation, urinary retention, constipation, and, at high doses, hallucinations or delirium. Other side effects include motor impairment, flushed skin, blurred vision at near point owing to lack of accommodation, abnormal sensitivity to bright light (photophobia), sedation, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, visual disturbances, irregular breathing, dizziness, irritability, itchy skin, confusion, increased body temperature, temporary erectile dysfunction, and excitability, and although it can be used to treat nausea, higher doses may cause vomiting. Report any Side effect / Adverse reaction to Physician / Nurse as needed.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Diltiazem. Explained that Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and some types of arrhythmia. Explained that the side effects of this medication includes stuffy nose, skin rash or itching, dizziness, headache, tired feeling, nausea or warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin. Instructed to notify Physician if experiencing persistence or worsening of medication side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding Metoprolol Tartrate, which is in a group of drugs called beta - blockers. That is affect the heart and circulation ( blood flow through arteries and veins ). Metoprolol is used to treat angina ( chest pain ) and hypertension ( high blood pressure ). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, feeling light - headed, fainting; feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion, swelling of your hands or feet, nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay - colored stools, jaundice ( yellowing of the skin or eyes ), easy bruising, unusual bleeding ( nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum ), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin, wheezing, trouble breathing. Less serious side effects may include: dry mouth, constipation, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, tired feeling, sleep problems ( insomnia ), or anxiety, nervousness. Do not suddenly stop taking metoprolol tartrate. Sharp chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and sometimes heart attack may occur if you suddenly stop metoprolol tartrate. The risk may be greater if you have certain types of heart disease. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take metoprolol tartrate before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care or surgery.
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.