diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
Medications
SN instructed patient on ProAir HFA Inhalation. That it is a quick-relief drug used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. SN instructed patient to rinse mouth with water after every use of the medication to prevent irritation and dryness in the mouth.
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 about Fentanyl Patch. This medication is used to help relieve severe ongoing pain. Fentanyl belongs to a class of drugs known as narcotic ( opiate ) analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Use this medication on a regular schedule as directed by your doctor, not as needed for sudden ( breakthrough) pain. Apply this medication to the skin as directed by your doctor. Do not apply on burns, cuts, irritated skin, or skin that has been exposed to radiation ( x-ray treatment ). Select a dry, non - hairy area on a flat part of your body, such as the chest, sides, back, or upper arms. To avoid irritation, apply to a different area each time. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new patch. The used patch still contains enough fentanyl to cause serious harm, even kill a child or pet, so fold it in half with the sticky sides together and discard properly. Some side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache may occur. Mild irritation, itching, or redness at the application site may also occur. Some of these side effects may decrease after you have been using this medication for a while. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor. To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Ask your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative ( such as a stimulant type with stool softener ).
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Xanax / Alprazolam Which is a medication in the class of benzodiazepines. Explained that this medication is indicated in the management of anxiety and panic attacks and that it works by acting on the CNS to decrease anxiety. Explained to patient that the side effects include: dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, headache, rashes, nausea, vomiting. Explained that abrupt discontinuation of this medication can cause withdrawal symptoms such as: sweating, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors and seizures. Instructed patient to avoid ETOH, CNS depressants, and grapefruit juice while taking Xanax. Instructed to notify Physician if experiencing unrelieved anxiety or if experiencing persistence or worsening of medication side effects
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Cephalexin. SN explained that Cephalexin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes: diarrhea, dizziness, headache, indigestion, joint pain, stomach pain and tiredness. SN explained that the drug can also cause yellowing of the eyes or skin; red, blistered, swollen or peeling skin, unusual bruising or bleeding, decreased urination, severe cramps and confusion. SN instructed to notify physician if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed that the Bumetanide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body ( edema ) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs and abdomen. Bumetanide is a " water pill " ( diuretic ) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to help clear mucous and congestion and codeine is used to quiet to cough. SN instructed patient / caregiver to take as directed and with food if stomach upset occurs. Informed that drowsiness, constipation, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headache may occur the first several days the body adjusts to the medication, call physician ( MD ) if these effects continue or become bothersome or if developing skin rash, itching or rapid heart rate. SN instructed patient / caregiver to take the needed cough medication and stop when symptoms clear up.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Digoxin. Explained that Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm to treat A - fib. Explained that the side effects may include mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. SN instructed patient / caregiver to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather or by not drinking enough fluids, because Digoxin overdose can occur more easily if dehydrated, and to call 911 if overdose is suspected. Explained that the overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, severe vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights or objects, severe skin rash, fast / slow or uneven heartbeats, and feeling like passing out. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistent side effects or adverse effects.
SN instructed patient regarding medication Furosemide. SN informed patient that Furosemide is used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure and it causes increased urination. SN instructed patient to watch out for side effects of this medication such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, and numbness / burning / tingly feeling and to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing these side effects persistently. SN informed that Lasix may deplete potassium in the body, thus needing potassium supplement or increased potassium intake ( oranges, bananas ). SN instructed patient / caregiver to report to physician ( MD ) if patient experiences vomiting, fast / uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness or increased weakness, muscle pains, or urinating less or not at all.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Metoprolol. Metoprolol is used for treating high blood pressure, heart pain, abnormal rhythms of the heart, and some neurologic conditions; it reduces the force of contraction of heart muscle and thereby lowers blood pressure. Side effects to report to physician ( MD ) when taking Metoprolol including diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, memory loss, fever, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing. If experiencing any of these side effects or when systolic BP is >160 or < 90 and / or diastolic BP is > 90 or < 60 notify physician ( MD )