COPD
Medications
Patient instructed on Symbicort as following: is used long-term to improve symptoms of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for better breathing and fewer flare-ups. Do not use Symbicort for sudden severe symptoms of COPD or asthma. Use only as directed. SE include chest pain, fast and irregular heartbeat, tremor, increased blood pressure, headache or nervousness, Fungal infection in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using Symbicort to help reduce your chance of getting thrush. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms: increase in mucus production or change in color, fever, increased cough, chills, or increased breathing problems.
SN instructed patient that Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat certain inflammatory diseases and for many different indications including: asthma, COPD, CIDP, rheumatic disorders, allergic disorders, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, hypercalcemia due to cancer, thyroiditis, laryngitis, severe tuberculosis, urticaria ( hives ), lipid pneumonitis. Possible side effect may include, Increased blood sugar for diabetics, Difficulty controlling emotion, Difficulty in maintaining train of thought, Weight gain, Immunosuppression, Facial swelling, Severe, Depression, mania, psychosis, or other psychiatric symptoms, Unusual fatigue or weakness, Mental confusion / indecisiveness, Memory and attention dysfunction (Steroid dementia syndrome), Blurred vision. Take prednisone as ordered.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on albuterol. SN explained that albuterol is a bronchodilator indicated in COPD for opening of the airways and decrease shortness of breath. SN explained that side effects include: nervousness, restlessness, tremor, chest pain, palpitations, headache, insomnia. SN instructed to notify physician immediately if shortness of breath is not relieved or is accompanied by diaphoresis, dizziness, palpitations, or chest pain.
Sn teaching patient that Atrovent ( Ipratropium ) is used to help control the symptoms of lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It is also used to treat air flow blockage and prevent the worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ).
SN instructed patient Brovana (arformoterol) is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing. Brovana inhalation solution is used to prevent bronchoconstriction in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Use Brovana inhalation solution exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Open the foil pouch and remove one vial, leave the rest in the package.Sit upright in a comfortable position. Breathe in slowly and evenly until you have inhaled all of the medicine (usually 5 to 10 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.Clean the nebulizer after each use. Follow the cleaning directions that came with your nebulizer.
