BACK PAIN
SN instructed patient/ caregiver about Gentamicin. SN explained that Gentamicin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Gentamicin is used to treat severe or serious bacterial infections. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to gentamicin or similar antibiotics such as amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or tobramycin. Common side effects may include: vision problems; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; itching or rash; pain where the medicine was injected; a headache, mood changes; or joint pain. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Instructed patient on isorsobide which is used to treat and prevent chest pain, side effects of isorsobide are headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting. Headache is often a sign that this medication is working; treat it with an aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever as recommended by your doctor. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
SN instructed patient/CG on Acetaminophen pain medication usually used to treat minor to moderate pain. SN instructed patient/CG to never exceed 3000 mg in a 24 hour period. As with any medication Acetaminophen may have side effects, and if you experience SOB or a life threatening side effect please call 911 and seek emergency treatment.
SN instructed on intermittent claudication which is a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Intermittent claudication causes pain in your calves when walking, Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. There are two main ways to treat claudication: medication and a surgical treatment, called revascularization. Medication therapies are often used initially as they are non-invasive. Compression therapy can also be used as a noninvasive way to treat symptoms of claudication. Intermittent calf compression has been shown in studies to improve symptoms-free walking distance.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on some measures aimed to controlling/managing constipation, such as: establish regular times for evacuations usually after a meal and drink a warm liquid one-half hour before breakfast to stimulate bowel movement, avoid laxative and enema abuse. Instructed on some potential complications of constipation, such as: stool impaction bowel blockage, liquid bowel movement may ooze around hard stool in the colon, pain, valsalva maneuver may be caused by straining, causing a slowed pulse, decreased blood return and increased venous pressure, rectal bleeding and rectal pain.
SN assessed portacath insertion site every visit. SN instructed s/sx to report to SN / MD such as redness, pain, puffiness around port, drainage from insertion site, temperature above 100 degrees, shortness of breath and chest pain. Sn instructed on portacath care and protection of the skin over the port.
Patient instructed Protonix (pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Take once daily in the morning with or without food. Common Protonix side effects may include: headache, dizziness; stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; joint pain; or fever, rash, or cold symptoms. Instructed to notify prescriber if unusual or bothersome side effects occur or medication is not effective.
Instructed patient on new medication Sulindac. Sulindac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Sulindac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Sulindac is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, or gout. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient when should I call my healthcare provider. Contact your healthcare provider or physician immediately if you have an irregular heart rate. If you feel increased pain or discomfort. It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort for about a week after the tracheostomy procedure. If you have difficulty breathing and it is not relieved by your usual method of clearing secretions. When secretions become thick, if crusting occurs or mucus plugs are present. Your physician may recommend increasing your fluids or using cool mist humidification.
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.