low blood pressure
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 on monitoring vital signs blood pressure, temperature, oxygen and weight instructed on what equipment is needed and SN will instruct on equipment logging and reporting of vital signs. Sn instructed on importance in logging vital signs and monitoring if medication is working or change of condition. Sn will instruct patient after vitals are done on what to report to physician / nurse ( MD / SN ). Patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient What can you do to control blood pressure? To minimize the risk of hypertension, control sodium, potassium, and other essential electrolytes the body uses to maintain fluid balance. The recommendation for patients with kidney disease: limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day. Most sodium in today’s diet comes from processed foods and restaurants foods. Unhealthy lifestyles choices, such as smoking tobacco, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption, may also contribute to hypertension.
SN instructed patient High blood pressure often has no warning signs or symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it. Some symptoms may include headache, blurred vision, nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping or facial flushing. Even with no symptoms, hypertension needs ongoing treatment to protect the heart, kidneys and other organs from further damage.
Instructed patient that PCP only receives one snapshot of vitals signs including BP, and stressed importance of maintaining BP log so that PCP may adjust as needed.
SN instructed about arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD), also called coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD), refers to arteriosclerosis of heart or coronary arteries. Arteriosclerotic heart disease can also be caused by calcium deposits (calcification) on the walls of arteries that harden them, or thickening of the artery walls due to chronic high blood pressure.
Patient instructed on Symbicort as following: is used long-term to improve symptoms of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for better breathing and fewer flare-ups. Do not use Symbicort for sudden severe symptoms of COPD or asthma. Use only as directed. SE include chest pain, fast and irregular heartbeat, tremor, increased blood pressure, headache or nervousness, Fungal infection in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using Symbicort to help reduce your chance of getting thrush. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms: increase in mucus production or change in color, fever, increased cough, chills, or increased breathing problems.
Instructed patient on Prednisone which is used for allergy reactions, rheumatoid arthritis among other diseases. Side effects include: swelling in hands, face and feet, increased hunger, muscle weakness and abdominal distention. One interaction of Prednisone is it may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure.
SN completed all education for this SNV, and reminded patient on the importance of going to all medical appointments, bringing blood pressure log and all of his/her medications. Patient/Caregiver verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient you can help reduce your chance of cardiomyopathy and other types of heart disease by living a heart-healthy lifestyle and making lifestyle choices such as controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, Eating a healthy diet, Getting regular exercise, Getting enough sleep, Reducing your stress. Patient verbalized.