blood
Instructed patient Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if: You passed out (lost consciousness). You have signs of severe bleeding, such as: A severe headache that is different from past headaches. Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds. Passing maroon or very bloody stools.
Instructed patient DO NOT massage the skin near or on the ulcer. This can cause more damage. DO NOT use donut-shaped or ring-shaped cushions. They reduce blood flow to the area, which may cause sores.
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 educated pt on Simvastatin. Simvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that exercise benefits people with diabetes and those at risk for diabetes by helping manage weight, by improving blood sugar levels, and by improving heart health. For a person with diabetes, exercise is just as important as diet and medication.
Instructed patient 1 in 4 heart attack and stroke survivors has another. Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol, making healthy lifestyle choices and taking medications like aspirin as recommended by your doctor, may help lower your risk of a second event.
Patient and caregiver educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Topiramat (Topamax). Topamax can induce extreme dry mouth and diarrhea. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with fluid supplementation. Topamax intake can induce some dizziness. Also, Topamax use can result in a side-effect of increased ammonia in the blood, which also contributes to increased nausea, confusion, and dizziness. Patient instructed to avoid activities where loss of consciousness (passing out) could result in serious danger to self or those around you (including swimming, driving a car, climbing in high places, etc.). Patient instructed to talk to his doctor before engaging in such activities.
Instructed patient Rising slowly from a sitting or lying position may help ease symptoms. Avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of water, and eating small, low-carbohydrate meals along with fruits and vegetables may also help. See a doctor immediately if you Faint, Break out in cold sweats, breathe rapidly and shallowly, Notice blood in your stool.
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.
Hand washing performed. Assembled supplies and created sterile field. Foley catheter removed and discarded using a double bag technique. Peri hygiene performed. Donned sterile gloves Insertion site area prepped using 3 swabs betadine. Foley catheter 20 Fr. 5 ML balloon inserted using sterile technique. Blood tinged urine immediate return that cleared to yellow noted. Catheter attached to collection bag for gravity drainage. Pt. tolerated well.