bedbound-patients
Medications
SN instructed patient about Gabapentin ( Neurontin ). It is a medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and hot flashes. It is also used for restless leg syndrome. It is a first line agent for the treatment of neuropathic pain arising from diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain. Most common side effects of gabapentin in adult patients include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and peripheral edema. It may also produce sexual dysfunction in some patients, symptoms of which may include loss of libido, inability to reach sexual climax, and erectile dysfunction. It should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment due to possible accumulation and toxicity. Warning of an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients taking gabapentin. Report to Physician or nurse if any of those side effect / adverse reaction occurs.
SN instructed patient that lovaza is approved in the U.S. for treatment of patients with very high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia). Lovaza is indicated for: Hypertriglyceridemia, used as monotherapy , or in combination with a statin for patients with mixed dyslipidemia. Also as a secondary prevention after myocardial infarction. Infrequent side effects of lovaza: burping, indigestion, rash, taste problem. Rare side effects of Lovaza: blood clotting disorder. Life threatening allergic reaction, abnormal liver function tests, Itching.
SN instructed patient about drug Cilostazol, trade name: Pletal. Is a medication for the treatment of intermittent claudication (pain in your calves when walking), a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. Cilostazol reduces the pain of intermittent claudication by dilating the arteries, thereby improving the flow of blood and oxygen to the legs. It also reduces the ability of blood to clot. Cilostazol enables patients with intermittent claudication to walk longer and faster before developing pain. Cilostazol is a quinolinone-derivative medication that inhibits platelet aggregation and is a direct arterial vasodilator. Its main effects are dilation of the arteries supplying blood to the legs and decreasing platelet coagulation. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Apixaban ( Eliquis ) is a anticoagulant for the treatment of venous thromboembolic events. It is indicated for the following: to lower the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) prophylaxis. DVT's may lead to pulmonary embolism ( PE ) in knee or hip replacement surgery patients, treatment of both DVT and PE, to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE after initial therapy. Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding and may cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding. Concurrent use with drugs affecting hemostasis ( e.g. other anticoagulants, heparin, aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) can further increase the risk of bleeding.
Instructed in new medication Albuterol to prevent or treat bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as tremor, nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, headache, hyperactivity, weakness, CNS stimulation, malaise, tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension, dry and irritated nose and throat (with inhaled form), nasal congestion, epistaxis, hoarseness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bad taste in mouth, increased appetite, hypokalemia, muscle cramps, bronchospasm, cough, wheezing, dyspnea, bronchitis, increased sputum or hypersensitivity reactions. Warned patient about possibility of paradoxical bronchospasm. If this occurs, discontinue drug immediately. If more than one inhalation is ordered, instructed to wait at least 2 minutes before repeating procedure. Use of an aero chamber may improve drug delivery to the lungs. If steroid inhaler used, advised to use the bronchodilator first and then advised to wait about 5 minutes before using the steroid. This allows the bronchodilator to open the air passages for maximum effectiveness. Advised to remove canister and wash inhaler with warm, soapy water at least once a week.
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 about Allopuriniol, and why it should be administered with foods to decrease gastrointestinal discomforts. It can be crushed and mixed with foods to help patients with swallowing difficulties.
Instructed patient about how Atenolol may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.
Isosorbide is used to prevent chest pain (angina) and reduce strain on the heart in patients with heart disease (coronary artery disease). Isosorbide mononitrate relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication will not relieve chest pain once it occurs. This medication may also be used in addition to other drugs to improve the symptoms of congestive heart failure (e.g., trouble breathing).
Calcium supplementation also may lead to constipation, so patients should ingest adequate amounts of fiber