constipation
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 about Linzess (linaclotide) which is indicated in adults for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
. It can cause serious side effects, including diarrhea, the most common side effect, which can be severe. Diarrhea often begins within the first 2 weeks of treatment. Stop taking Linzess and call your doctor asap if you get severe diarrhea during treatment with Linzess. Other common side effect may include gas, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (distension). Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you develop unusual or severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.
SN instructed patient that Vesicare (solifenacin) reduces muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract. It is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination, and incontinence ( urine leakage) . The most common side effect of solifenacin are dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation
. As all anticholinergics ,it may rarely cause hyperthermia due to decreased perspiration.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on new pain medication Nucynta ( Tapentadol ) is used to help relieve moderate to severe short - term pain ( such as pain from an injury or after surgery ). It belongs to a class of drugs known as narcotic ( opioid ) analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Some Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation
, dizziness, or drowsiness. Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: slow / shallow breathing, fainting, seizures, unusual drowsiness / difficulty waking up may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching / swelling ( especially of the face / tongue / throat ), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
SN instructed about Morphine. This is can slow or stop your breathing, especially when you start using this medicine or whenever you dose is changed. Never take morphine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to morphine: hives; difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: slow heart rate, sighing, weak or shallow breathing, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out. Morphine is more likely to cause breathing problems in older adults and people who are severely ill, malnourished, or otherwise debilitated. Common morphine side effects may include: drowsiness, dizziness; constipation
, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, tired feeling, anxiety or mild itching.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Percocet is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain - containing two drugs: acetaminophen and oxycodone. Explained that Acetaminophen is used to reduce both pain and fever & Oxycodone is used for its calming effect and for pain. Explained that the common side effects include dizziness, light - headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting. SN instructed that side effects may be alleviated by lying down and if they persist or worsen to notify Physician. SN instructed to call physician immediately if the patient experiences slow / irregular breathing, slow / irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine or any allergic reactions. SN instructed patient to drink at least 8 glasses of water and eat foods that are high in fiber such as apples, peaches, oranges and oats if constipation
is experienced.
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 on medication Avandaryl. Explained that it is a medication indicated for Diabetes Mellitus ( DM ) type II to decrease the blood sugar by stimulating the production of insulin and increasing receptor site sensitivity. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the side effects include dizziness, photosensitivity, low blood sugar, constipation
, nausea and vomiting. SN instructed patient / caregiver to monitor blood sugar daily and to not skip or double doses. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing unusual weight gain, swelling of ankles, drowsiness, dyspnea ( SOB ), muscle cramps, weakness, sore throat, rash, unusual bleeding or if bruising occurs.
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 on medication Clonazepam. Explained that this medication is a benzodiazepines and it works to manage panic disorder as well as muscle convulsions and neuralgias. Explained that the side effects include behavioral changes, drowsiness, increased secretions, palpitations, constipation
, ataxia and dependence. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if fever, clay colored stools, yellowing of skin, or behavioral changes occur.