pain management
Instructed patient in new medication side effects; the most common side effect is hot flashes (50% of patients) and facial flushing. Alcohol may worsen this reaction, and so it should be cautiously consumed. Other common side effects of the combination are diarrhea, constipation and overall pain including pain in the back, hips and stomach. Less common side effects are breast enlargement and breast pain, which may be due to the bicalutamide alone.
Patient instructed on Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets usually give relief in 1 to 5 minutes. If the pain is not relieved, you may use a second tablet 5 minutes after you take the first tablet. If the pain continues for another 5 minutes, a third tablet may be used. If you still have chest pain after a total of 3 tablets, contact your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room right away. Do not drive yourself and call 911 if necessary.
Skilled nurse instructed patient about medication Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never share the medicine with another person. Misuse narcotic pain medication can use addiction overdose, or death, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Common Oxycodone side effects may include: mild drowsiness, headache, dizziness, tired feeling; stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth, or mild itching.
SN instructed patient about on gastric ulcer. Gastric ulcers occur on the inside of the stomach. Pain is the most common symptom. The pain is caused by the ulcer and is aggravated by stomach acid coming in contact with the ulcerated area. The pain typically may: Be felt anywhere from your navel up to your breastbone. Be worse when your stomach is empty. Flare at night. Often be temporarily relieved by eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or by taking an acid-reducing medication. Disappear and then return for a few days or weeks. See your doctor: If vomiting of blood — which may appear red or black. Dark blood in stools or stools that are black or tarry. Nausea or vomiting. Unexplained weight loss. Appetite changes.
SN instructed patient about Gabapentin ( Neurontin ). It is a medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and hot flashes. It is also used for restless leg syndrome. It is a first line agent for the treatment of neuropathic pain arising from diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain. Most common side effects of gabapentin in adult patients include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and peripheral edema. It may also produce sexual dysfunction in some patients, symptoms of which may include loss of libido, inability to reach sexual climax, and erectile dysfunction. It should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment due to possible accumulation and toxicity. Warning of an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients taking gabapentin. Report to Physician or nurse if any of those side effect / adverse reaction occurs.
SN instructed patient that Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat some types of cancer, but has significant adverse effects. It is used for many different indications including: Pericarditis, multiple sclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, to relieve the effects of shingles, lupus, myasthenia gravis, poison oak exposure, meniere's disease and as part of a drug regimen to prevent rejection after organ transplant. Possible side effect may include: Abdominal pain, peptic ulcer, painful hips or shoulders, steroid-induced osteoporosis, stretch marks, osteonecrosis - same as avascular necrosis, insomnia, severe joint pain, cataracts or glaucoma, anxiety, black stool, stomach pain or bloating, severe swelling among others. Take prednisone as ordered.
Sn instructed patient while you may not be able to avoid the pain that comes with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ), you can take action to limit it. By taking your pain medication on a schedule. Don’t wait until you are in more pain and have to play "catch-up." Using a warm, moist compress to loosen up a stiff joint. Try an ice pack on an inflamed joint. Massage may also help. These tried-and-true treatments are easy and can provide some quick relief for mild symptoms. Also instructed that on the importance to make it a priority every day to relax. If you need ideas for healthy ways to manage stress, ask your doctor or a counselor. You may want to try meditation, and focus on things you enjoy. Patient verbalizes understanding.
SN instructed that should be call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms of an infection: Fever ( this is sometimes the only sign of an infection ), chills and sweats, change in cough or a new cough, sore throat or new mouth sore, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, stiff neck, burning or pain with urination, unusual vaginal discharge or irritation, increased urination, redness, soreness, or swelling in any area, including surgical wounds and ports, diarrhea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen or rectum, new onset of pain.
SN instructed patient and caregiver about Fentanyl Patch. This medication is used to help relieve severe ongoing pain. Fentanyl belongs to a class of drugs known as narcotic ( opiate ) analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Use this medication on a regular schedule as directed by your doctor, not as needed for sudden ( breakthrough) pain. Apply this medication to the skin as directed by your doctor. Do not apply on burns, cuts, irritated skin, or skin that has been exposed to radiation ( x-ray treatment ). Select a dry, non - hairy area on a flat part of your body, such as the chest, sides, back, or upper arms. To avoid irritation, apply to a different area each time. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new patch. The used patch still contains enough fentanyl to cause serious harm, even kill a child or pet, so fold it in half with the sticky sides together and discard properly. Some side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache may occur. Mild irritation, itching, or redness at the application site may also occur. Some of these side effects may decrease after you have been using this medication for a while. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor. To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Ask your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative ( such as a stimulant type with stool softener ).
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.