pain
SN instructed patient and caregiver on some measures aimed to controlling/managing constipation, such as: establish regular times for evacuations usually after a meal and drink a warm liquid one-half hour before breakfast to stimulate bowel movement, avoid laxative and enema abuse. Instructed on some potential complications of constipation, such as: stool impaction bowel blockage, liquid bowel movement may ooze around hard stool in the colon, pain, valsalva maneuver may be caused by straining, causing a slowed pulse, decreased blood return and increased venous pressure, rectal bleeding and rectal pain.
SN assessed portacath insertion site every visit. SN instructed s/sx to report to SN / MD such as redness, pain, puffiness around port, drainage from insertion site, temperature above 100 degrees, shortness of breath and chest pain. Sn instructed on portacath care and protection of the skin over the port.
Patient instructed Protonix (pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Take once daily in the morning with or without food. Common Protonix side effects may include: headache, dizziness; stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; joint pain; or fever, rash, or cold symptoms. Instructed to notify prescriber if unusual or bothersome side effects occur or medication is not effective.
Instructed patient on new medication Sulindac. Sulindac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Sulindac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Sulindac is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, or gout. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient when should I call my healthcare provider. Contact your healthcare provider or physician immediately if you have an irregular heart rate. If you feel increased pain or discomfort. It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort for about a week after the tracheostomy procedure. If you have difficulty breathing and it is not relieved by your usual method of clearing secretions. When secretions become thick, if crusting occurs or mucus plugs are present. Your physician may recommend increasing your fluids or using cool mist humidification.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on SIMVASTATIN. Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine. It inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. High blood cholesterol is first treated with exercise, weight loss, and a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats. When these measures fail, cholesterol-lowering medications such as Simvastatin can be added. Simvastatin is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. Minor side effects of Simvastatin include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, and headache. Major side effects of Simvastatin include abdominal pain or cramps, blurred vision, dizziness, easy bruising or bleeding, itching, muscle pain or cramps, rash, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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.
SN instructed patient on s/s of prostate cancer. While most prostate cancer does not cause any symptoms at all, the symptoms and signs of prostate cancer may include: frequent urination, weak or interrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder, the urge to urinate frequently at night, blood in the urine, new onset of erectile dysfunction, pain or burning during urination, which is much less common and discomfort or pain when sitting, caused by an enlarged prostate.
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 patient on medication Amiodarone. This medication is used to stabilize the rhythm of your heart. Amiodarone is used to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Take this medication at the same time daily as directed. May take with or without food. Avoid grapefruit, St. John's wort, & sunlight or tanning beds. common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or constipation. Call your doctor or get medical help at once if you have: chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, trouble breathing, vision problems, upper stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or if you cough up blood. Tell your doctor if you have signs of a thyroid problem, such as weight changes, extreme tiredness, dry skin, thinning hair, feeling too hot or too cold, irregular menstrual periods, or swelling in your neck (goiter).