skin integrity
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.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Digoxin. Explained that Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm to treat A - fib. Explained that the side effects may include mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. SN instructed patient / caregiver to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather or by not drinking enough fluids, because Digoxin overdose can occur more easily if dehydrated, and to call 911 if overdose is suspected. Explained that the overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, severe vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights or objects, severe skin rash, fast / slow or uneven heartbeats, and feeling like passing out. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistent side effects or adverse effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Hydralazine medication relaxes and expands blood vessels and is used to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ). SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects of this medication includes: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue and nasal congestion may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. SN explained to patient / caregiver that to avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. SN instructed patient / caregiver to inform doctor if you develop: chest pain, muscle pain, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes / skin, joint pain, a change in the amount of urine. SN explained to patient / caregiver that this drug may cause numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes and that if this occurs, notify doctor. SN explained to patient / caregiver that symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing and should be reported immediately for prompt treatment.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Levaquin. SN taught patient / caregiver that levaquin is an antibiotic and that it is used to treat bacterial infections. SN explained to patient that taking levaquin can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and also may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the side effects of this medication includes headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth and ear problems. SN instructed patient to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on service authorization, advance directives, rights and responsibilities, rights of the elderly and obtained necessary signatures. Instructed patient / caregiver on 24 hour nurse availability and provided / posted the agency telephone number. Also instructed that after hours, weekends and holidays an answering service will reach the nurse and he / she will return the patient / caregiver call and answer any questions or make a visit if needed. Patient and caregiver stated understanding. Patient and caregiver educated on diabetic diet, diabetic foot care, symptoms / signs ( s / s ) of depression, managing pain with medications, healthy skin, and pressure ulcer prevention. Leaflets left in home.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Oxygen canisters should be kept at least 5 - 10 feet away from gas stoves, lighted fireplaces, wood stoves, candles or other sources of open flames. Do not use electric razors while using oxygen ( These are a possible source of sparks ). Do not use oil, grease or petroleum - based products on the equipment. Do not use it near you while you use oxygen. These materials are highly flammable and will burn readily with the presence of oxygen. Avoid petroleum - based lotions or creams, like Vaseline, on your face or upper chest. Check the ingredients of such products before purchase. If a skin moisturizer is needed, consider using cocoa butter, aloe vera or other similar products. For lubrication or rehydration of dry nasal passages, use water - based products. Your pharmacist or care provider can suggest these.
SN instructed about side effects on Lasix ( Furosemide ). Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: Ringing in your ears, hearing loss, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice ( yellowing of the skin or eyes ), severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting.
SN instructed patient that the Glipizide is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels by helping your pancreas produce insulin. That is used together with diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes. Instructed patient to follow doctors orders and that it is to be taken 30 minutes before a meal twice a day. Reviewed symptoms / signs of hypoglycemia: headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Instructed on common side effects: mild nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness or skin rash, redness or itching. Instructed patient to call 911 in the event of hives; difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
SN instructed patient on the 'Bad' fats in your diet. There are two types of fat that should be eaten sparingly: saturated and trans fatty acids. Both can raise cholesterol levels, clog arteries, and increase the risk for heart disease. Saturated fats are found in animal products ( meat, poultry skin, high - fat dairy and eggs ) and in vegetable fats that are liquid at room temperature, such as coconut and palm oils. There is evidence that saturated fats have an effect on increasing colon and prostate cancer risk, so we recommend whenever possible to choose healthy unsaturated fats and always strive to be at a healthy weight. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding of teaching.
SN instructed about more frequents side effects of Tylenol ( Nausea, vomiting , stomach upset, red, peeling skin, Rash, Hives, Itching, swelling of the face , among others ). This drug may be used safely if therapy is short - term and does not exceed recommended doses. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify the doctor if any of these side effects are severe. Patient / caregiver was instructed to place a rubber mat or adhesive texture strips on the bottom of the bathtub or shower to prevent falls.