pain management
Medications
Skilled nurse instructed patient about medication Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never share the medicine with another person. Misuse narcotic pain medication can use addiction overdose, or death, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Common Oxycodone side effects may include: mild drowsiness, headache, dizziness, tired feeling; stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth, or mild itching.
SN instructed patient about Gabapentin ( Neurontin ). It is a medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and hot flashes. It is also used for restless leg syndrome. It is a first line agent for the treatment of neuropathic pain arising from diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain. Most common side effects of gabapentin in adult patients include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and peripheral edema. It may also produce sexual dysfunction in some patients, symptoms of which may include loss of libido, inability to reach sexual climax, and erectile dysfunction. It should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment due to possible accumulation and toxicity. Warning of an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients taking gabapentin. Report to Physician or nurse if any of those side effect / adverse reaction occurs.
SN instructed patient that Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat some types of cancer, but has significant adverse effects. It is used for many different indications including: Pericarditis, multiple sclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, to relieve the effects of shingles, lupus, myasthenia gravis, poison oak exposure, meniere's disease and as part of a drug regimen to prevent rejection after organ transplant. Possible side effect may include: Abdominal pain, peptic ulcer, painful hips or shoulders, steroid-induced osteoporosis, stretch marks, osteonecrosis - same as avascular necrosis, insomnia, severe joint pain, cataracts or glaucoma, anxiety, black stool, stomach pain or bloating, severe swelling among others. Take prednisone as ordered.
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 about Morphine. This is can slow or stop your breathing, especially when you start using this medicine or whenever you dose is changed. Never take morphine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to morphine: hives; difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: slow heart rate, sighing, weak or shallow breathing, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out. Morphine is more likely to cause breathing problems in older adults and people who are severely ill, malnourished, or otherwise debilitated. Common morphine side effects may include: drowsiness, dizziness; constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, tired feeling, anxiety or mild itching.
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 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/CG to seek medical attention if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Augmentin such as: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody; pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness; loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); easy bruising or bleeding; little or no urination; or severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures. Alendronate is used to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause, steroid use, or gonadal failure. This medicine is for use when you have a high risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis. Common side effects may include heartburn, upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, bone pain, or muscle or joint pain. SN instructed pt to report if she experiences any of these s/sx. Pt voiced understanding.
Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Amlodipine is also used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor.