home safety
Medications
Instructed in state safety tips necessary for oxygen therapy: Place no-smoking signs to warn the dangers of smoking. Keep oxygen away from open flames, heat, gas sloves, hot pipes, radiators, etc. Equip home with a fire extinguisher and a smoke alarm. Avoid use of electrical equipment such as electric beds, heating pads or electric razors. Avoid using flammable products such as body lotion, face creams, rubbing, alcohol, etc. Avoid using aerosol sprays.
SN instructed to keep oxygen away from any open flame to include smoking and also in home pilot lights such as stove, furnace and water heater. Oxygen produced from concentrator and oxygen tanks is flammable. Do not use vaseline or petroleum based, products as these can cause irritation and skin complications. Avoid using aerosol sprays. Post no smoking/no Open Flame signs. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that the more you know about any medication you use, the better it is as they can be sure they're using it properly. There are simple safety measures when taking any medication like 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 instructed patient about medication safety. Keep medicines in one place. Don't waste time searching the house for pills. Keep them together in a single location provided by SN. Explained to never remove the label from the bottle. Always keep medicine container tightly closed. Informed to do not mix different medicine into the same bottle to prevent taking the wrong medicine by accident.
Anticonvulsants should not be discontinued abruptly because of the possibility of increasing seizure frequency; therapy should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency, unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal.
Patient instructed on safety with medications to include: do not stop or adjust medications without consulting prescriber, store medications in a cool/dry place, keep medications out of reach of children, do not remove prescription labels or mix multiple medications in one bottle.
SN instructed patient on new medications in the home. Instructed that Clarithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Instructed that Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and changes in taste may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Instructed patient on Coenzyme Q10 which is used for heart problems. It has also been used for reducing the number of migraine headaches. Nausea, loss of appetite, upset stomach, or diarrhea may rarely occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your home health nurse or doctor promptly.
Instructed patient on Docusate, this medication is used to treat occasional constipation. Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your home health nurse, doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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.
