which-can-lead-numbness
Medications
SN instructed patient and caregiver on medication diazepam, explained that this should be used during times of anxiety. Advised it can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, it increases the patient fall risk as well. Both parties verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diazepam can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment or for people who've had problems with drug or alcohol abuse. This high risk benzodiazepine should never be taken more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed due to risk of overdose. S/s overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, lethargy and respiratory depression and even death in severe cases, especially when combined with EtOH or opiates. Patient and caregiver state they will only administer this medication as prescribed.
Instructed patient on new medication Sulindac. Sulindac may also be used for purposes not listed. Sulindac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine. You should not use sulindac if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient if you are taking a blood thinner, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on SIMVASTATIN. Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine. It inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. High blood cholesterol is first treated with exercise, weight loss, and a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats. When these measures fail, cholesterol-lowering medications such as Simvastatin can be added. Simvastatin is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. Minor side effects of Simvastatin include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, and headache. Major side effects of Simvastatin include abdominal pain or cramps, blurred vision, dizziness, easy bruising or bleeding, itching, muscle pain or cramps, rash, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
SN instructed patient on Nifedipine. You can take nifedipine before or after meals. Do not bite, chew or break the tablets/capsules. When you first start taking nifedipine you may get a headache or feel flushed. These symptoms usually go after a few days.
SN educated patient/caregiver on oxygen therapy. Instructed that oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen at a higher concentration than what is found in the environment. It can be given via cannula, mask, bipap/cpap, ect. Oxygen must be ordered by a MD and administered exactly as prescribed.
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.
Cefpodoxime medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections. Take it with food to help increase the absorption of the drug.
SN instructed about Acetaminophen/codeine is a combination medication used to help relieve mild to moderate pain. It contains an opioid pain reliever (codeine) and a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen). Codeine works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Acetaminophen can also reduce a fever. Potential side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur.