including damage eyes retinopathy which can lead blindness damage nerves neuropathy
SN instructed in possible complication of PVD such as ulcers, cellulites, gangrene, thrombophlebitis, etc. SN instructed patient to walk for at least 15 minutes three to four times per day, gradually increasing her pace and duration of exercise. It is recommended not to cross the legs, which may interfere with blood flow; manage swelling by elevating the feet at rest. Vasodilation can be achieved by providing warmth to the affected extremity and preventing long periods of exposure to cold; maintain a warm environment at home and wear socks or insulated shoes at all times. Never apply direct heat to the limbs, such as with the use of a heating pad or extremely hot water to reduce the risk of burns. Verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Xanax / Alprazolam Which is a medication in the class of benzodiazepines. Explained that this medication is indicated in the management of anxiety and panic attacks and that it works by acting on the CNS to decrease anxiety. Explained to patient that the side effects include: dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, headache, rashes, nausea, vomiting. Explained that abrupt discontinuation of this medication can cause withdrawal symptoms such as: sweating, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors and seizures. Instructed patient to avoid ETOH, CNS depressants, and grapefruit juice while taking Xanax. Instructed to notify Physician if experiencing unrelieved anxiety or if experiencing persistence or worsening of medication side effects
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Coumadin / Warfarin. SN explained to patient / caregiver that Coumadin / Warfarin is an anticoagulant which is prescribed to people with an increased tendency for thrombosis or as secondary prophylaxis ( prevention of further episodes ) in those individuals that have already formed a blood clot ( thrombus ). Explained that Warfarin treatment can help prevent formation of future blood clots and help reduce the risk of embolism. Informed that Warfarin will prolong bleeding time, instructed to avoid activities that increase risks of trauma. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the adverse effects of this medication includes: hemorrhage, nosebleeds and blood in urine or stool ( black tarry stools ). Instructed to notify physician if experiencing unusual bleeding while on this medication.
SN instructed patient that to drink plenty of fluids ( fever, which may be related to the flu, can cause dehydration ). It is important to maintain hydration. Take acetaminophen ( but do not take aspirin unless your doctor tells ). SN instructed patient to get a flu shot each year and decrease the exposure to the flu.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Glipizide. SN informed patient / caregiver that Glipizide is used to help control blood sugar levels, causing the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the side effects include low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) can occur when on this medication. SN explained that symptoms of low blood sugar include hunger, nausea, tiredness, perspiration, headache, heart palpitations, numbness around the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold temperature, excessive yawning, irritability, confusion or loss of consciousness and should be reported to physician ( MD ) if persistently experienced.
SN instructed patient about respiratory infection to drink plenty of fluids ( fever, which may be related to the flu, can cause dehydration ). It is important to maintain hydration. Take acetaminophen ( but do not take aspirin unless your doctor tells ). SN instructed patient to get a flu shot each year and decrease the exposure to the flu.
SN explained that the symptoms / signs of congestive heart failure ( CHF ) may include: Shortness of breath ( also called dyspnea ) most commonly during activity, at rest, or while sleeping, which may come on suddenly and wake you up. You often have difficulty breathing while lying flat and may need to prop up the upper body and head on two pillows. You often complain of waking up tired or feeling anxious and restless. Blood backs up in the pulmonary veins ( the vessels that return blood from the lungs to the heart ) because the heart can't keep up with the supply. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs. Persistent coughing or wheezing, coughing that produces white or pink blood - tinged mucus. Fluid builds up in the lungs. Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues ( edema ) swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain. You may find that your shoes feel tight.
Instructed patient What are some of the benefits of the care wear PICC line cover. The PICC line cover is antimicrobial.
It is machine washable and can be machine dried with the rest of the laundry. The PICC line cover has a unique mesh
window that allows for air to get into the dressing which is required for the dressing to be fully functional.
SN instructed patient on hyperlipidemia also known as hyperlipoproteinemia. It is a condition in which there are high levels of fat particles (lipids) in the blood. These substances can deposit in blood vessel walls and restrict blood flow. This creates a risk of heart attack and stroke. Hyperlipidemia doesn't cause any symptoms. The condition is diagnosed by routine blood tests, recommended every five years for adults. Treatments include medication, a healthy diet, and exercise.
Patient instructed Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Labs will need to be drawn routinely to check effectiveness & dose may need to be changed. Patient instructed to take this medication 30min. before breakfast & all other meds. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole, with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The tablet may dissolve very quickly and could swell in your throat. Avoid the following food products, whichcan make your body absorb less levothyroxine: grapefruit juice, infant soy formula, soybean flour, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.