blood sugar
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 / 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.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about the medication Isosorbide. SN explained that Isosorbide is a medication given to reduce the blood pressure and that it also reduces the heart rate. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes fatigue, anxiety, weakness, dizziness, tachycardia, pulmonary edema, constipation and dry mouth. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence of side effects or if experiencing blurred vision, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, light - headedness, confusion, depression or dry mouth.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Lantus insulin. SN instructed patient / caregiver that insulin is used by the body to remove and use glucose from the blood and produce energy and that it is used in type 2 diabetes to overcome the resistance of the cells to insulin. SN explained that Lantus insulin starts working after 1 - 2 hours and peaks after 6 hours after injection, and has a duration of 18 - 26 hours. SN informed that hypoglycemia is the most common side effect that may occur during insulin therapy. SN instructed patient / caregiver to rotate insulin injection sites to avoid bruising and injury.
SN instructed patient regarding medication Lipitor. SN informed patient / caregiver that Lipitor is a medication that reduces levels of bad cholesterol ( LDL ) and triglyceride in the blood while increasing the level of good cholesterol ( HDL ). SN explained that this medication is used to treat high cholesterol and to lower risk of stroke, heart attack or other heart complication in people with type 2 diabetes. SN informed patient / caregiver that patient should eat low cholesterol diet and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages when taking lipitor because it increase risk of liver damage. SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects to watch out for are unexplained muscle pain, fever and dark colored urine, swelling urinating less than usual and weight gain. SN instructed patient / caregiver to report any persistence or worsening of side effects.