cough-cold-flu
Instructed in signs and symptoms of anemia such as headaches, palpitations, paleness of skin, dizziness, increased sensitivity to cold, brittle fingernails and hair, difficulty swallowing, tiredness, etc.
Instructed in new medication Aricept to manage moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnormal dreams, somnolence, seizures, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain, chest pain, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension, cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain, frequent urination, ecchymosis, weight loss, dehydration, muscle cramps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture, dyspnea, bronchitis, pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, influenza, and increased libido. The drug does not alter the underlying degenerative disease but can temporarily stabilize or relieve symptoms. Effective therapy depends on taking drug at regular intervals. Instructed to take drug in the evening, just before bedtime. Immediately report significant adverse effects or changes in overall health status. Inform health care team that patient is taking drug before he receives anesthesia. Avoid OTC cold or sleep remedies because of the potential for increased anticholinergic effects.
Instructed in factors that increase the risk of asthma such as respiratory infection, cold air, emotional stress, allergens (dust, pollens, certain medicine, certain food, etc), environment pollution, exercise and fatigue.
Instructed in various factors that help alleviate pain without, or in addition to, analgesics such as frequent position changes, relaxation techniques, heat or cold, regular rest periods, pillows to support painful area, etc.
Instructed in S/S of hypoglycemia, including cold sweat, shaking, blurred vision, faintness, hunger, headache, confused thinking and impatience. Instructed if these S/S occur to take fast acting sugar, such as orange juice with sugar or glucose tablets.
Instructed SO on how symptoms differ among individuals, depending on the severity of the case: sensitivity to cold temperature, dry skin, constipation, forgetfulness, chronic fatigue, decreased heart rate, depression, hair loss, weight gain, muscle stiffness and cramping, lack of facial expression, enlarged tongue.
Instructed patient about factors that increase risk for pneumonia, such as smoking and air pollution, upper respiratory infections, prolonged immobility, malnutrition; chronic diseases: diabetes, cancer, renal disease, cardiac disease; exposure to cold, damp weather, inhalation of noxious substances, use of immunosuppressive drugs; age: very young or very old, frequent intoxication from alcohol.
Instructed patient to check feet's temperature. If they feel cold or hot, something could be wrong.
Instructed patient on S/S of hypoglycemia such as: cold sweat, shaking, blurred vision, faintness, hunger, headache, confused thinking and impatience. Instructed patient that if these S/S occur to take fast acting sugar, such as orange juice with sugar or glucose tablets.
Instructed patient to use saccharin (sugar substitute) in cold and hot foods to make them sweet.