diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
Medications
SN instructed patient and caregiver on medication diazepam, explained that this should be used during times of anxiety. Advised it can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, it increases the patient fall risk as well. Both parties verbalized understanding.
Patient and caregiver instructed on precautions regarding medications like always check expirations date on medications, and dispose of expired meds, take all meds exactly as ordered. Never share medications with friends or family members or take medications that are not prescribed for you, keep medications out of reach of children, do not mix medications in bottles. Patient/caregiver instructed to keep an updated medication list in the home. Always take or send medication list to hospital or doctor's appointments with patient.
SN instruct on medication compliance to better control the patients disease process, to refill medication on time to prevent missed/skipped doses. Also Instructed to pt to take each medication exactly as it has been prescribed, make sure that all your doctors know about all your medications, and let your doctors know about any other over the counter (OTC) medications, vitamins and supplements, or herbs that you use as well as any allergies to any medication.
SN educated pt on Simvastatin. Simvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on medication levofloxacin used to treat a variety of bacterial infections . Reviewed side effects with both and advised to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication , continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Educated on side effects of new medication Cefadroxil. The most common side effects of cefadroxil are diarrhea (which, less commonly, may be bloody), nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting. Other side effects include rashes, hives, and itching. Understanding was verbalized
Cefuroxime, sold under the brand name Zinacef among others, is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent a number of bacterial infections. These include pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, sepsis, urinary tract infections, and lyme disease. It is used by mouth or by injection into a vein or muscle.
SN explained to patient that Lovenox is to be administered as one pre-filled syringe by deep subcutaneous injection in the abdominal fat. Only one shot is administered in the morning and one shot is administered at night for physician ordered specific number of days. SN instructed patient on technique and importance of rotating injection sites around abdomen.
SN instructed patient how Lovenox is used to reduce the chance of blood clots when another blood thinner is held for a short time. When you take an oral blood thinner and need a procedure/surgery, your doctor asks you to temporarily stop taking your usual blood thinner and instead take enoxaparin to help prevent blood clots before the procedure/surgery. After the procedure/surgery, your doctor will tell you when it is safe to start taking your regularly prescribed oral blood thinner again. This is called bridge therapy it allows for continued blood thinning without the blood being too thin for too long as oral blood thinners stay in the body for a much longer time.
SN instructed about Acetaminophen/codeine is a combination medication used to help relieve mild to moderate pain. It contains an opioid pain reliever (codeine) and a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen). Codeine works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Acetaminophen can also reduce a fever. Potential side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur.