blood
SN instructed patient on liver failure. The early symptoms of liver failure are similar to symptoms of many other conditions. Because of this, liver failure may initially difficult to diagnose. Some of the most common initial symptoms of liver failure are: Nausea, Loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea. As liver failure progresses, the symptoms become more serious. The most common symptoms of advanced liver failure include: Skin itchiness, jaundice, bleeding easily, bruising easily, swollen abdomen, mental disorientation or confusion, sweet or foul smelling breath, sleepiness, coma. Educated patient that the liver filters the Ammonia out the blood and that liver failure causes Ammonia levels to increase, which cause change of mental status, confusion, and sleepiness or fatigue.
SN instructed in possible complication of PVD such as ulcers, cellulites, gangrene, thrombophlebitis, etc. SN instructed patient to walk for at least 15 minutes three to four times per day, gradually increasing her pace and duration of exercise. It is recommended not to cross the legs, which may interfere with blood flow; manage swelling by elevating the feet at rest. Vasodilation can be achieved by providing warmth to the affected extremity and preventing long periods of exposure to cold; maintain a warm environment at home and wear socks or insulated shoes at all times. Never apply direct heat to the limbs, such as with the use of a heating pad or extremely hot water to reduce the risk of burns. Verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient about how the thyroid hormone helps regulate metabolism. When this hormone is abnormally low the energy production decreases, disrupting many vital functions. This can include skin issues such as: Coldness in the fingers and feet with pale and dry coarse skin, eczema, a yellowish hue to the skin, sparse and brittle hair, which comes out in handfuls, loss of hair in the outer third of eyebrows, slow growing, ridged and brittle nails, edema in face, eyelids, hands and feet, and delayed wound healing. Some of these things can be avoided if you are taking your replacement medication daily as ordered and are getting regular blood work to assure the medication is at the correct dose.
SN instructed that symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection or bladder infection may include: Frequent need to urinate, burning sensation while urinating pressure in the lower abdomen, pain in the lower back blood in urine. Symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection or a kidney infection may include: Fever, chills, nausea and / or vomiting, Pain higher in the back ( around the upper sides and waist ). In women, the symptoms of a urinary tract infection are similar to those caused by some vaginal infections.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Bystolic. SN explained to patient / caregiver that Bystolic is used to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ). SN explained to patient that the side effects of this medication includes: headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, slow heartbeat and trouble sleeping. SN instructed patient / caregiver that if any of these effects persist or worsen, to notify physician.
Sn instructed patient about Bystolic. This is a prescription medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called “beta blockers.” The most common side effects people taking Bystolic report are headache, fatigue ( tiredness ), dizziness ( if you feel dizzy, sit or lie down and tell your doctor right away ), diarrhea, nausea, insomnia ( difficulty falling or staying asleep ), chest pain, bradycardia ( slow heartbeat ), dyspnea ( shortness of breath ), rash, and peripheral edema ( leg swelling due to fluid retention ). Other possible side effects include masking ( hiding ) the symptoms of low blood sugar and hyperthyroidism ( overactive thyroid ), especially a fast heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you gain weight or have trouble breathing while taking Bystolic. Patient verbalized fair understanding .
Sn instructed patient on diabetes management. Aim for your A1c level to be between 6-7%. For every 1% you decrease your A1c levels you decrease your risk of Diabetic complications. Physical activity helps to decrease blood sugar levels and monitor your food intake such as carbohydrates and fats. Patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Dilantin. Explained that Dilantin is an anticonvulsant and is used to control seizures. SN instructed patient / caregiver that the side effects of this medication includes headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia and nervousness, swelling of gums may also occur. SN instructed to call physician ( MD ) if patient experiences unusual eye movement, loss of coordination, slurred speech, confusion, blurred vision, or tingling of hands and feet. SN instructed patient / caregiver that blood draws are usually done regularly to make sure that the medication in the body is within therapeutic level.
SN instructed patient regarding medication Furosemide. SN informed patient that Furosemide is used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure and it causes increased urination. SN instructed patient to watch out for side effects of this medication such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, and numbness / burning / tingly feeling and to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing these side effects persistently. SN informed that Lasix may deplete potassium in the body, thus needing potassium supplement or increased potassium intake ( oranges, bananas ). SN instructed patient / caregiver to report to physician ( MD ) if patient experiences vomiting, fast / uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness or increased weakness, muscle pains, or urinating less or not at all.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on medication Hydrochlorothiazide. SN explained to patient that Hydrochlorothiazide ( HCTZ ) is a medication indicated for edema and hypertension. SN explained to patient / caregiver that it is a diuretic that reduces fluid volume overload which, in turn, lowers blood pressure. Explained that side effects of this medication includes dizziness, dehydration, weakness, pancreatitis, anemia and nausea. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.