high
Medications
SN instructed patient / caregiver about Diphenhydramine( Benadryl). It is a first-generation antihistamine used to treat a number of conditions including allergic symptoms and itchiness, the common cold, insomnia, motion sickness, and extrapyramidal symptoms. It is a potent anticholinergic agent. This activity is responsible for multiples side effects such as: dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, pupil dilation, urinary retention, constipation, and, at high doses, hallucinations or delirium. Other side effects include motor impairment, flushed skin, blurred vision at near point owing to lack of accommodation, abnormal sensitivity to bright light (photophobia), sedation, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, visual disturbances, irregular breathing, dizziness, irritability, itchy skin, confusion, increased body temperature, temporary erectile dysfunction, and excitability, and although it can be used to treat nausea, higher doses may cause vomiting. Report any Side effect / Adverse reaction to Physician / Nurse as needed.
SN instructed about the Plaquenil. Some people taking this medication over long periods of time or at high doses have developed irreversible damage to the retina of the eye. Stop taking hydroxychloroquine and call your doctor at once if you have trouble focusing, if you see light streaks or flashes in your vision, or if you notice any swelling or color changes in your eyes.
SN instructed that Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor antagonist, with particularly high affinity for the type I angiotensin receptor. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects: allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
SN instructed that Torsemide is a loop diuretic. It works by making the kidney eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes ( especially sodium and potassium salts ) and water than normal ( diuretic effect ). It is used to treat edema ( swelling ) associated with heart, kidney, or liver failure, or with conditions in which there is excess body water. It is also used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. Torsemide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm. If you also take cholestyramine, do not take it within 4 hours before or after taking torsemide. may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. Torsemide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Weight should be monitored while taking this medication.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Percocet is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain - containing two drugs: acetaminophen and oxycodone. Explained that Acetaminophen is used to reduce both pain and fever & Oxycodone is used for its calming effect and for pain. Explained that the common side effects include dizziness, light - headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting. SN instructed that side effects may be alleviated by lying down and if they persist or worsen to notify Physician. SN instructed to call physician immediately if the patient experiences slow / irregular breathing, slow / irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine or any allergic reactions. SN instructed patient to drink at least 8 glasses of water and eat foods that are high in fiber such as apples, peaches, oranges and oats if constipation is experienced.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Bystolic. SN explained to patient / caregiver that Bystolic is used to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ). SN explained to patient that the side effects of this medication includes: headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, slow heartbeat and trouble sleeping. SN instructed patient / caregiver that if any of these effects persist or worsen, to notify physician.
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 that Hydralazine medication relaxes and expands blood vessels and is used to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ). SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects of this medication includes: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue and nasal congestion may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. SN explained to patient / caregiver that to avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. SN instructed patient / caregiver to inform doctor if you develop: chest pain, muscle pain, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes / skin, joint pain, a change in the amount of urine. SN explained to patient / caregiver that this drug may cause numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes and that if this occurs, notify doctor. SN explained to patient / caregiver that symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing and should be reported immediately for prompt treatment.
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 regarding medication Metformin. SN explained to patient / caregiver that metformin is an oral anti - diabetic medication and is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. SN explained that it is the first - line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight and obese people. SN explained that using metformin alone will help to lower blood sugar when it is too high and help restore the way food is used to make energy. SN instructed patient to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing symptoms / signs ( S / S ) of hypoglycemia such as shakiness, nervousness, sweating associated with dizziness / lightheadedness.