dementia
Medications
Instructed in new medication Sinemet and in S/E such as choreiform, dystonic, dyskinetic movements, involuntary grimacing, head movements, myoclonic body jerks, ataxia, tremor, muscle twitching, bradykinetic episodes, psychiatric disturbances, anxiety, disturbing dreams, euphoria, malaise, fatigue, severe depression, suicidal tendencies, dementia, delirium, hallucinations (may necessitate reduction or withdrawal of drug), confusion, insomnia, agitation, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac irregularities, phlebitis, blepharospasm, blurred vision, diplopia, mydriasis or miosis, oculogyric crises, excessive salivation, dry mouth, bitter taste, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, urinary frequency, urine retention, urinary incontinence, darkened urine, priapism, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, hepatotoxicity, weight loss (may occur at start of therapy), hiccups, hyperventilation, and dark perspiration.
Instructed in new medication Aricept to manage moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnormal dreams, somnolence, seizures, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain, chest pain, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension, cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain, frequent urination, ecchymosis, weight loss, dehydration, muscle cramps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture, dyspnea, bronchitis, pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, influenza, and increased libido. The drug does not alter the underlying degenerative disease but can temporarily stabilize or relieve symptoms. Effective therapy depends on taking drug at regular intervals. Instructed to take drug in the evening, just before bedtime. Immediately report significant adverse effects or changes in overall health status. Inform health care team that patient is taking drug before he receives anesthesia. Avoid OTC cold or sleep remedies because of the potential for increased anticholinergic effects.
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.