bleeding-precautions!
SN instructed patient that Eliquis is used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat ( atrial fibrillation ) or after hip/knee replacement surgery. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can lead to blood clots forming, which can travel to other parts of your body (such as the lungs or legs) or increase your risk for stroke. In the United States, apixaban is also approved to treat certain types of blood clots ( deep vein thrombosis - DVT, pulmonary embolus - PE ) and to prevent them from forming again. Eliquis is an anticoagulant that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in your blood. SN also instructed that Nausea, easy bruising, or minor bleeding ( such as nosebleed, bleeding from cuts ) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication can cause serious bleeding if it affects your blood clotting proteins too much. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of serious bleeding, including: unusual pain / swelling / discomfort, unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, persistent / frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy / prolonged menstrual flow, pink/dark urine, coughing up blood, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, severe headache, dizziness / fainting, unusual or persistent tiredness / weakness, bloody / black / tarry stools, difficulty swallowing.
Instructed patient in medication Plavix prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. While you take Plavix: you may bruise and bleed more easily, you are more likely to have nose bleeds, and it will take longer for any bleeding to stop. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms of bleeding: unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time, blood in your urine (pink, red or brown urine), red or black stools, bruises that happen without a known cause or get larger cough up blood or blood clots vomit blood or your vomit looks like coffee grounds.
SN instructed patient about the Eliquis, also known as Apixaban is an anticoagulant. “ANTI” means against and “COAGULANT” refers to the clotting of blood. Apixaban is a medicine ordered by your doctor to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. It does not dissolve existing clots. Sometimes apixaban is referred to as a “blood thinner”, but it does not actually thin your blood. Apixaban is commonly prescribed to people with a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of a clot forming in the heart. A clot in the heart can dislodge and cause a stroke. The role of apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation is to prevent formation of a clot in the heart and lower the risk of stroke. Tell your doctor right away if you have these side effects: Unusual bleeding: Vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, Bleeding from cuts that do not stop with pressure, Frequent bleeding from Coughing up blood gums, Nose bleeds, Black or red tarry stools, Bruises that appear without injury, blood in your urine, excessive vaginal bleeding / menstrual flow, Weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting Itching or hives, Swelling in your face, hands, mouth, or throat Difficulty breathing or chest tightness.
SN instructed patient that bleeding is frequently associated with any non-tunneled catheter insertion. More frequent dressing changes and/or a mild pressure dressing may be required. Excessive bleeding or bleeding that persists for more than 24 hours is not normal. Excessive bleeding may be caused by coagulation disorders, vigorous physical activity, or a traumatic insertion procedure.
SN educated patient and caregiver on Xarelto. Increased risk of bleeding. Xarelto can cause bleeding which can be serious, and may lead to death. This is because Xarelto is a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) that lowers blood clotting. During treatment with Xarelto you are likely to bruise more easily, and it may take longer for bleeding to stop. You may be at higher risk of bleeding if you take Xarelto and have certain other medical problems.
Instructed patient/caregiver on general precautions while taking aspirin: take with food, milk, or large glass of water to decrease gastric symptoms. (Enteric coated or buffered may be better tolerated.); avoid alcohol due to possible internal bleeding; only take the recommended amount; use cautiously with Asthma; observe and report s/s of bleeding (easy bruising, bleeding gums, black stools); discard medications if vinegar odor is present; do not take antacids due to decreased effectiveness; avoid chewing or crushing enteric coated.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Apixaban ( Eliquis ) is a anticoagulant for the treatment of venous thromboembolic events. It is indicated for the following: to lower the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) prophylaxis. DVT's may lead to pulmonary embolism ( PE ) in knee or hip replacement surgery patients, treatment of both DVT and PE, to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE after initial therapy. Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding and may cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding. Concurrent use with drugs affecting hemostasis ( e.g. other anticoagulants, heparin, aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) can further increase the risk of bleeding.
Patient instructed on risk for internal bleeding R/T taking Warfarin. Any s/s of an internal bleed include: abdominal pain, black, tarry or bright red stool, coffee ground emesis, coughing up blood, unusual dark purple large bruising, & bloody urine. Patient should to seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
Instructed patient on hip precautions after a hip replacement. Hip precautions are various maneuvers a patient who has undergone a hip replacement needs to avoid. Hip precautions include: Do not cross your legs, do not bend our legs up beyond 90 degrees, do not sit on sofas or in low chairs, do not sleep on your side.
Instructed in new medication Vioxx to manage osteoarthritis. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, asthenia, fatigue, dizziness, aseptic meningitis, hypertension, lower-extremity edema, sinusitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, epigastric discomfort, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, GI bleeding, urinary tract infection, hyponatremia, back pain, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pulmonary edema and flu-like syndrome. Patient may experience signs and symptoms of GI bleeding, including bloody vomitus, blood in urine and stool and black, tarry stools. Advised to call MD if he experiences these signs or symptoms. Report rash, unexplained weight gain or edema. Avoid aspirin and products containing aspirin unless prescriber has instructed otherwise. Avoid OTC anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Advil) unless prescriber has instructed it. All NSAIDs including Rofecoxib may adversely affect the liver. Signs and symptoms of liver toxicity include nausea, fatigue, lethargy, itching, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness and flu-like syndrome. Instructed to stop therapy and call MD immediately if patient experiences these signs or symptoms. Women must inform MD if they become pregnant, or they are planning on becoming pregnant while taking drugs. This drug may be taken without regard to food although taking it with food may decrease GI distress. The most common adverse effects of this drug are dyspepsia, epigastric discomfort, heartburn and nausea. Taking drug with food may help minimize these effects.