low sodium
SN instructed patient that Zocor( Simvastatin) reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low
-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Zocor is used to low
er cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is also used to low
er the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Instructed patient diet: Your doctor will probably recommend that you follow
a low
fat, no added-salt diet after discharge. This may reduce your risk of a heart attack in the future and your risk for requiring angioplasty or surgery again. You should try to have less than 30 percent of your calories from fat. Try to control your weight and eat less saturated fat and cholesterol.
Instructed patient go easy on fat. Avoid high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, and fatty sauces and gravies. Instead, choose nonfat or low
-fat foods. Read labels and look for foods with 3 grams of fat or less a serving.
Instructed patient t other S/S of cardiac complications requiring medical intervention such as: increased SOB, palpitations,
irregular heart beat, faintness, and weakness. Replace butter and margarine with
heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil. Other heart-healthy foods include walnuts, fatty fish like salmon and tuna,
whole-grain breads, low
-fat dairy products, beans, and lean meats. Ask your caregiver how much salt you can eat each day. Avoid salt substitutes.
Instructed patient Eat a heart-healthy diet Eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. A diet rich in fruits,
vegetables and whole grains can help protect your heart. Beans, other low
-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish
also can reduce your risk of heart disease. Stop your activity if you feel short of breath, dizzy, or have any pain in your chest. Do not do any activity
or exercise that causes pulling or pain across your chest, (such as using a rowing machine, twisting, or lifting weights.
SN instructed caregiver that Amiodarone is a class of antiarrhythmic agent used for various types of cardiac dysrhythmias, both ventricular and atrial. Despite relatively common side-effects, it is used in arrhythmias that are otherwise difficult to treat with medication. The most serious reaction that is due to amiodarone is interstitial lung disease. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Corneal micro-deposits . Abnormal liver enzyme results. Much rarer are jaundice, hepatomegaly, and hepatitis. Low
-dose amiodarone has been reported to cause pseudo-alcoholic cirrhosis. Long-term administration of amiodarone is associated with a light-sensitive blue-grey discoloration of the skin, and peripheral neuropathies. Gynecomastia and an association between amiodarone and an increased risk of cancer, especially in males
SN instructed that the ibuprofen at low
doses it does not appear to increase the risk of myocardial infarction; however, at higher doses it may. It may result in worsened asthma. Like other NSAIDs it works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are fat-like molecules that are derived from the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid, which are involved in mediating inflammation, pain and fever. Patient verbalized understanding of given information.
SN instructed that keeping your regular cast dry is very important! There are no devices that are 100% effective in keeping any cast dry. Sponge baths are the safest way to keep the cast dry. If you have to take a bath or shower, please follow
these instructions: place a towel or washcloth around the upper portion of the cast. Cover the entire cast with 2 plastic bags ( use two in case one has a leak, secure the bag at the top with tape or a rubber band, if the cast gets moist, dry the top or bottom of the cast using a blow
dryer. Use only the cool or low
setting, if the cast is soaked all the way through, it needs to be changed ( call doctor office )
SN instructed patient on high blood pressure. The high blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low
in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
SN instructed patient about how the thyroid hormone helps regulate metabolism. When this hormone is abnormally low
the energy production decreases, disrupting many vital functions. This can include skin issues such as: Coldness in the fingers and feet with pale and dry coarse skin, eczema, a yellow
ish hue to the skin, sparse and brittle hair, which comes out in handfuls, loss of hair in the outer third of eyebrows, slow
growing, ridged and brittle nails, edema in face, eyelids, hands and feet, and delayed wound healing. Some of these things can be avoided if you are taking your replacement medication daily as ordered and are getting regular blood work to assure the medication is at the correct dose.