diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
Medications
SN instructed patient about type 2 diabetes and to use oral hypoglycemics long term. Oral hypoglycemics are anti-diabetic drugs designed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition. You should not stop eating a healthy diet and doing regular exercise, and your healthcare professional should be able to teach you how to get the balance right. Testing blood sugar regularly, eating well and exercising daily are all important aspects of diabetes management.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diazepam can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment or for people who've had problems with drug or alcohol abuse. This high risk benzodiazepine should never be taken more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed due to risk of overdose. S/s overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, lethargy and respiratory depression and even death in severe cases, especially when combined with EtOH or opiates. Patient and caregiver state they will only administer this medication as prescribed.
Patient and caregiver educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Topiramat (Topamax). Topamax can induce extreme dry mouth and diarrhea. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with fluid supplementation. Topamax intake can induce some dizziness. Also, Topamax use can result in a side-effect of increased ammonia in the blood, which also contributes to increased nausea, confusion, and dizziness. Patient instructed to avoid activities where loss of consciousness (passing out) could result in serious danger to self or those around you (including swimming, driving a car, climbing in high places, etc.). Patient instructed to talk to his doctor before engaging in such activities.
SN educated patient and caregiver on Xarelto. Increased risk of bleeding. Xarelto can cause bleeding which can be serious, and may lead to death. This is because Xarelto is a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) that lowers blood clotting. During treatment with Xarelto you are likely to bruise more easily, and it may take longer for bleeding to stop. You may be at higher risk of bleeding if you take Xarelto and have certain other medical problems.
SN educated patient/caregiver on medication Trelegy inhaler. This inhaler combines 3 medicines in 1 inhaler, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medicine (fluticasone furoate), an anticholinergic medicine (umeclidinium), and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicine (vilanterol). ICS medicines such as fluticasone furoate help to decrease inflammation in the lungs. Anticholinergic medicines such as umeclidinium and LABA medicines such as vilanterol help the muscles around the airways in your lungs stay relaxed to prevent symptoms such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Common side effects include: thrush in your mouth and throat, (rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after use to help prevent this.) bronchitis, PNA, upper respiratory infection, painful urination, throat/mouth pain, cough, hoarseness.
Instructed in new medication Calcium and in S/E such as headache, weakness, dizziness, paresthesia, chest pressure, facial flushing, edema of feet, eye pain, nasal congestion, transient nausea, unusual taste, diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting, epigastric discomfort, abdominal pain, increased urinary frequency, nocturia, shortness of breath, rash, pruritus of ear lobes, inflammation at injection site, hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis), chills and tender palms and soles.
Instructed in new medication Sulfaprim and in S/E such as headache, mental depression, aseptic meningitis, tinnitus, apathy, seizures, hallucinations, ataxia, nervousness, fatigue, vertigo, insomnia, thrombophlebitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, stomatitis, pancreatitis, pseudomembranous colitis, toxic nephrosis with oliguria and anuria, crystalluria, hematuria, interstitial nephritis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, hepatic necrosis, arthralgia, myalgia, muscle weakness, pulmonary infiltrates, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, generalized skin eruption, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria, pruritus, hypersensitivity reactions, serum sickness, drug fever and anaphylaxis.
Instructed in new medication Prevacid and in S/E such as headache, dizziness, vertigo, malaise, paresthesia, fever, palpitations, flushing, orbital edema, tinnitus, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, taste perversion, dry mouth, bone and muscle pain, acne, dry skin and transient irritation at I.V. site.
Instructed to perform oral inhalation correctly: Shake the inhaler. Clear nasal passages and throat. Breathe out, expelling as much air from lungs as possible. Place mouthpiece well into mouth as dose from inhaler is released and inhale deeply. Hold breath for several seconds, remove mouthpiece and exhale slowly. Or, inhaler may be held about 1 inch (two finger widths) from open mouth; inhale while dose is released.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Plavix is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease. Avoid alcohol as very serious interactions can occur. To take this medication regularly with or without food. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.