diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
Medications
SN instructed patient regarding medication Lipitor. SN informed patient / caregiver that Lipitor is a medication that reduces levels of bad cholesterol ( LDL ) and triglyceride in the blood while increasing the level of good cholesterol ( HDL ). SN explained that this medication is used to treat high cholesterol and to lower risk of stroke, heart attack or other heart complication in people with type 2 diabetes. SN informed patient / caregiver that patient should eat low cholesterol diet and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages when taking lipitor because it increase risk of liver damage. SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects to watch out for are unexplained muscle pain, fever and dark colored urine, swelling urinating less than usual and weight gain. SN instructed patient / caregiver to report any persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Zofran - ondansetron. This medication blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Serious side effects include blurred vision or temporary vision loss ( lasting from only a few minutes to several hours ), slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling like you might pass out, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Stop taking Zofran and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects. Ondansetron may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Zofran side effects get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zofran: rash, hives, fever, chills, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe constipation, stomach pain, or bloating, headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats, fast or pounding heartbeats, jaundice ( yellowing of the skin or eyes ); blurred vision or temporary vision loss ( lasting from only a few minutes to several hours ); high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding. Instruct to call agency for questions or concerns.
SN instructed patient on medication Torsemide. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure and edema ( fluid retention, excess fluid held in body tissues ) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, or liver disease. In addition to taking this medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking and using alcohol in moderation. To help you remember to take torsemide, take it around the same time every day. Torsemide controls high blood pressure and edema but does not cure these conditions. SN instructed to patient to continue to take torsemide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking torsemide without talking to your doctor. Common side effects of Torsemide includes: Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or sitting up, excessive urination, constipation, headache and nausea.
Patient and CG instructed on Pravastatin. Pravastatin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. Pravastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with or without coronary heart disease or other risk factors. Pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to pravastatin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, pravastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Stop using and call your doctor at once if you have:unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; fever, unusual tiredness; dark colored urine; chest pain; upper stomach pain, loss of appetite; or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Common pravastatin side effects may include: muscle or joint pain; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
Cefuroxime is generally well tolerated, and its side effects are usually transient. If ingested after food, this antibiotic is both better absorbed and less likely to cause its most common side effects of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches/migraines, dizziness, and abdominal pain compared to most antibiotics in its class. Although a widely stated cross-allergic risk of about 10% exists between cephalosporins and penicillin. Recent assessments have shown no increased risk for a cross-allergic reaction for Cefuroxime and several other second-generation or later cephalosporins.
SN educated patient and caregiver about Lidocaine patches. After you are finished using a patch, remove it and dispose of it and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Lidocaine patches may cause side effects like burning or discomfort in the place you applied the patch, redness or swelling of the skin under the patch. If any of these symptoms occur, remove your patch and do not put it back on until the symptoms go away. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Instructed in new medication Amitriptyline to manage depression. In additon, warned of possible S/E such as coma, seizures, hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, ataxia, tremor, peripheral neuropathy, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, headache, extrapyramidal reactions, MI, stroke, arrhythmias, heart block, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, ECG changes, hypertension, edema, blurred vision, tinnitus, mydriasis, increased intraocular pressure, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, epigastric distress, diarrhea, constipation, paralytic ileum, urine retention, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, rash, urticaria, photosensitivity, diaphoresis and hypersensitivity reaction. Instructed to take full dose at bedtime but warned patient of possible morning orthostatic hypotension. Avoid alcohol during drug therapy. Consult MD before taking other medications. Avoid activities that require alertness and good psychomotor coordination until CNS effects of drug are known. Drowsiness and dizziness usually subside after a few weeks. Dry mouth may be relieved with sugarless hard candy or gum. Saliva substitutes may be needed. Instructed to use a sun block, wear protective clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight. To prevent photosensitivity reactions. Do not stop drug therapy abruptly.
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.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Plavix is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease, recent stroke and/or blood circulation disease (peripheral vascular disease). Easy bleeding/bruising, stomach upset/pain, diarrhea, and constipation may occur.
Instructed about diet as a major factor that can affect the stability of your Coumadin level. Explained about Vitamin K and its importance for blood to clot and why it's important in patients taking Coumadin, because high amounts of Vitamin K (e.g.green and leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach and broccoli)can work against the drug. Instructed patient to eat what he normally eats just as long as he's consistent with his vitamin K foods. Verbalized understanding.