diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
Medications
SN instructed in therapies normally used with medicine to help control pain. Heat: Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms. Apply heat to the area for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Ice: Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on the area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as directed. Massage therapy: This may help relax tight muscles and decrease pain. Physical therapy: This teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
SN instructed patient that Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body ( edema ) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a "water pill" ( diuretic ) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. SN also instructed patient that Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache or blurred vision may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
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 instructed to keep oxygen away from any open flame to include smoking and also in home pilot lights such as stove, furnace and water heater. Oxygen produced from concentrator and oxygen tanks is flammable. Do not use vaseline or petroleum based, products as these can cause irritation and skin complications. Avoid using aerosol sprays. Post no smoking/no Open Flame signs. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
Instructed in signs and symptoms of lack of oxigen (hypoxemia) such as fast heartrate, rise in pulse and blood pressure, shortness of breath, headache, restlessness and anxiousness, confusion, lethargy, agitation, drop in heartrate and blood pressure as condition progressess, cyansis and others.
Instructed in new medication Glucovance to improve glycemic control in patients with type-two diabetes whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled with diet and exercise alone. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, or upper respiratory tract infection. Instructed to take one daily with breakfast and, if twice daily, then at breakfast and dinner. Stop drug and tell prescriber of unexplained hyperventilation, myalgia, malaise, unusual somnolence, or other symptoms of early lactic acidosis. GI symptoms are common with initial drug therapy but GI symptoms that occur after prolonged therapy may be related to lactic acidosis or other serious disease and should be reported promptly. Instructed not to take any other drugs, including OTC drugs, without checking with prescriber.
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.
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.
SN instructed patient and/or caregiver that Cephalexin is an antibiotic that can treat a number of bacterial infections. Common adverse effects of Cefalexin, like other oral cephalosporins, are gastrointestinal , disturbances and hypersensitivity reactions. Gastrointestinal disturbances include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hypersensitivity reactions include skin rashes, urticaria, fever, and anaphylaxis. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with use of Cefalexin. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing, or red, blistered, swollen, or peeling skin.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that valacyclovir is an antiviral drug used in the management of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and herpes B. Common adverse drug reactions are the same as for valacyclovir and include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. Infrequent adverse effects may include: agitation, vertigo, confusion, dizziness, edema, arthralgia, sore throat, constipation, abdominal pain, rash, weakness and/or renal impairment. Rare adverse effects include: coma, seizures, neutropenia, leukopenia, tremor, ataxia, encephalopathy, psychotic symptoms, crystalluria, anorexia, fatigue, hepatitis, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and/or anaphylaxis.