Nursing Teaching Topics

Nursing Teaching Topics

Discuss with your doctor regarding any previous allergic responses you experienced with antifungal antibiotics belonging to the polyene group, such as, Nystatin, and Pimaricin. Patients with history of antibiotic associated diarrhea must be cautious about using Abelcet. Discuss with your doctor regarding your history of the same. Report to your doctor regarding any persistent diarrhea, […]

Pain and inflammation: Pain and inflammation at the site of injection is most common side effect to Abelcet use. Nausea and vomiting: This is the most common side effect of Abelcet. Taking the antibiotic with some food can minimize the effects of nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea: Abelcet use can result in diarrhea and loss of […]

Patients with history of antibiotic associated diarrhea must be cautious about using Abelcet. Discuss with your doctor regarding your history of the same. Abelcet is metabolized and excreted by the kidneys. Individuals with history of compromised renal function cannot metabolize and excrete Abelcet and this can lead to increased blood levels of Abelcet for longer […]

Abelcet is usually administered intravenously. The medication can be stored at room temperature for 24 hours, once reconstituted. Avoid exposure of the medication to light and store it in a dark room. The medication can be stored in the refrigerator frozen for 2 to 3 weeks. Thaw the medication container by getting it out of […]

Abelcet is an antifungal medication belonging to the Polyene class. Abelcet binds with Ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane and forms pores in the membrane. Ergosterol is a component of fungal cell membrane and is very important for the survival of the fungus. Ions such as sodium, potassium, and chloride in the fungal cell membrane […]

Nerve impulses travel from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) along the nerves to the muscles. Upon conduction to the muscles, these impulses cause the muscle to contract. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are …

Gama-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter synthesized in the human body. Upon release, GABA inhibits the conduction of impulses to the skeletal muscles and thus promotes skeletal muscle relaxation. Baclofen is an analog of GABA and …

Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of baclofen needed to derive the desired beneficial effects …

Do not take baclofen, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of baclofen or any other medications belonging to the group of skeletal muscle relaxants, such as, methocarbamol and tizanidine. In the event of …

General allergic reactions: Baclofen use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching. Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with baclofen, such as, difficulty breathing, …

Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of baclofen needed to derive the desired …

Drink 2.5 liters to 3 liters of fluid every day, as Captopril tends to cause loss of fluid volume and consequently, dehydration. If fluid is restricted in an individual for reasons, such as, congestive heart failure or dialysis dependent status, compliance to the …

Dehydration: Captopril by inhibiting secretion of aldosterone, results in water loss from the body. This can lead to fluid volume depletion and symptoms of dehydration. Low sodium levels: Captopril by inhibiting secretion of aldosterone, results in sodium loss from the body. This can …

Liver disease: Captopril is a prodrug, which when taken is activated in the liver. If liver function is deficient, this activation of Captopril can suffer and so, does the function too. Renal disease: Captopril is mainly eliminated by the kidneys. Individuals with renal …

Take the medication at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Do not change the dose on …

Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme leads to reduced formation of active angiotensin, which results in inhibition of narrowing of blood vessels and thereby, result in reduced blood pressure. Inhibition of blood vessel narrowing will lead to more room inside the blood vessel, which …

Captopril inhibits the enzyme, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which converts inactive form of angiotensin to active form of angiotensin. Inhibition of ACE leads to reduced formation of active angiotensin, which results in: Inhibition of narrowing or constriction of blood vessels, which results in …

Patients taking Dabigatran can present with nose bleeds at the slightest injury. Avoid excessive sneezing and nose picking, which can result in heavy nose bleeds. Also, avoid exposure to extreme cold climate, as the weather in cold seasons dry the mucus membrane out, …

Nausea and vomiting: These are some of the most common side effects of Dabigatran. Taking Dabigatran with some food can minimize the effects of nausea and vomiting. Internal bleeds: Internal bleeding, especially GI bleeds happen to be one of the most significant side …

Dabigatran is not metabolized in the liver and is mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with history of compromised renal function tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity and episodes of bleeding. Dabigatran should be avoided or …

Maintain strict compliance with intake of Dabigatran as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Noncompliance with this recommendation can result in episodes of bleeding or clot formation. So, do not change your dose of Dabigatran, …

Dabigatran is an anticoagulant inhibiting some proteins that help clotting. Dabigatran inhibits the thrombin factor along the coagulation pathway. Dabigatran helps individuals with atrial fibrillation, by preventing formation of clot and consequent stroke. Inhibition of clot formation also offers protection against deep venous …

Ecotrin is available in various strengths and is available OTC. When buying Ecotrin OTC, make sure to check the medication label, if it were the same dose recommended. Also, Ecotrin is available in combination with many other medications. If you are prescribed only …

General allergic reactions: Ecotrin use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching. Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with Ecotrin, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, …

Do not take Ecotrin, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of Ecotrin or any other medications belonging to the NSAID group, such as, Advil, Aleve, and meloxicam. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, check …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, for the time prescribed, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Maintain strict compliance with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of …

Ecotrin is a drug belonging to the NSAID group, that when used in different doses, has a wide-ranging effects. Ecotrin can be used to control fever, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent the formation of blood clots in the body. Cyclooxygenases are enzymes …

Observe compliance with regular labs ordered for hepatic function. Fenofibrate use carries a risk of liver damage and compromised liver function and so, should be very cautiously used and liver function closely monitored. Also, if liver function is deficient, metabolism of Fenofibrate could …

Compromised hepatic function: Fenofibrate use can result in hepatic damage and compromised liver function, consequently leading to mild right upper quadrant pain in the abdomen, poor digestion, and loss of appetite. Extreme cases of liver injury can result in findings such as, anemia …

Fenofibrate is significantly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, metabolism of Fenofibrate could be slowed down. Slowing down of the drug metabolism can result in increased risk for compromised therapeutic benefits with the medication. Also, Fenofibrate has the potential to …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor. Take the medication dose with a glass of water at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. This …

Fenofibrate is an anti-cholesterol medication used in individuals with complaint of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, to help reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Lipoprotein lipase is an enzyme that usually helps with breakdown and storage of bad cholesterol and triglycerides …

Fenofibrate is an anti-cholesterol medication used in individuals with complaint of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, to help reduce the lipid levels in the blood. Fenofibrate works by increasing the breakdown of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Due to increased breakdown of cholesterol and …

Gabapentin use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of gabapentin with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication. Gabapentin intake can …

Gastrointestinal side-effects: Gabapentin use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Gabapentin use can also result in compromised appetite occasionally. Taking gabapentin after having a meal or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the …

Do not take gabapentin, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of gabapentin or any other medications used to control seizures and nerve pain, such as, Lyrica and Cymbalta. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose and frequency on this medication without consulting your doctor. Take the medication dose for the duration prescribed without fail. Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to …

Rapid firing of nerve impulses is considered responsible for seizure activity and nerve pain. Gabapentin is a medication that affects certain neurotransmitters in the body, which are responsible for development of seizures/convulsions and nerve pain. Affecting these chemicals, gabapentin helps with reducing the …

Take the medication dose at the same time every day, for the duration prescribed. This can help with maintaining the required therapeutic concentration of medication in the blood and maintain compliance with intake of medication. Halcion is usually taken close to the bedtime. …

Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods of time, set reminders on your phone, …

General constitutional side-effects: Halcion use can sometimes result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. These constitutional symptoms can be self-limiting and resolve over time. Taking halcion with a small snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms …

Do not take halcion, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of halcion or any other medications belonging to the same group as halcion, such as, oxazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, and alprazolam. In the event of an allergic response with any of …

Halcion, by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, can contribute towards promoting sleep. So, it can be used in individuals with trouble falling/staying asleep and insomnia. By depressing the brain and spinal cord, promoting dizziness, and reducing the activity and alertness, …

Neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord are chemical messengers that help the nerve cells to communicate with each other. These chemicals can both be excitatory and inhibitory. Excitatory neurotransmitters help in stimulating the brain and spinal cord nerve cells. These chemicals contribute …

Discuss with your doctor regarding any previous allergic responses you experienced with other NSAIDs, such as, Naproxen. Ibuprofen carries the risk of causing dizziness and confusion. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used …

Nausea and vomiting: This is the most common side effect of Ibuprofen. Taking the pain pill with some food and water can minimize the effects of nausea and vomiting. Dyspepsia and heartburn: Ibuprofen can cause irritation of the stomach with upper abdominal discomfort …

Patients with history of dyspepsia and heartburn must be cautious about using Ibuprofen. Discuss with your doctor regarding your history of the same. Ibuprofen must be used cautiously in individuals with history of gastric ulcers, as intake of this medication can lead to …

Take Ibuprofen pill with or without food along with a full 8 oz. glass of water. Taking the medication with food helps prevent any nauseating sensation and stomach upset. Evenly space out the doses of pain pill and take the dose at the …

Ibuprofen is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This medication acts by inhibiting both the cyclooxygenase enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes result in reduced production of prostaglandins. Since prostaglandins result in swelling of the injured tissues and amplification of the sensitivity …

Take Janumet at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain good regular eating habits. Do not skip your meals. Be aware of signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, and hunger, to avoid any episodes of …

Fluid retention: Though not common, Janumet can sometimes result in fluid retention and patients can present with edema, weight gain, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Acute pancreatitis: A rare, but serious side effect of using Janumet is acute pancreatitis with a …

Janumet for the significant part is excreted unchanged by the kidneys with very small portion being metabolized in the liver. Individuals with liver and renal dysfunction, cannot metabolize and excrete Janumet normally. In such patients with compromised liver and renal functions, Janumet can …

Take Janumet at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain good regular eating habits. Do not skip your meals. Maintain compliance with your dietary recommendations, as ordered. Maintain compliance with any exercise scheduled prescribed by your doctor. Try not …

Janumet is an oral antidiabetic drug, that is a combination of Metformin and Sitagliptin, used especially in patients with type-2 diabetes. Janumet controls the blood sugars by decreasing gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis is a process that occurs in the human body in which glucose is …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Take the medication dose for the duration prescribed without fail. Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals help …

General allergic reactions: Keppra use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching. Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with keppra, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, …

Do not take Keppra, if you ever manifested any allergic response to intake of Keppra. Discuss your history of allergic response to this medication with your physician, without fail. Keppra carries the risk of causing mild increase in blood pressure. Individuals can present …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Take the medication dose for the duration prescribed without fail. Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals help …

Keppra is an anticonvulsant medication used to prevent epileptic attacks and control propagation of seizure activity. Keppra is used to treat partial, myoclonic, and tonic-clonic seizures. Mechanism of action of keppra is unknown. Keppra can also be used for management of chronic neuropathic …

Take the Lantus insulin shot at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the shot. This also helps to avoid lags in insulin coverage or stacking up the doses of insulin too close. Noncompliance with taking the Lantus shot can precipitate an …

Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia happens to be the most common side effect with Lantus. The risk for this complication multiplies with the patient being noncompliant with the time of Lantus administration, stacking up the doses of insulin too close, and highly irregular eating habits with …

Take the Lantus insulin shot at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the shot. This also helps to avoid lags in insulin coverage or stacking up the doses of insulin too close. Noncompliance with taking the Lantus insulin shot can precipitate …

Lantus belongs to the long-acting group of insulins, which have the slowest onset of action and the longest duration of action than insulins belonging to any other groups. Lantus generally reaches the bloodstream in about 4 hours after the shot was administered and …

Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Keeping to the schedule also helps with maintaining a constant level of the antibiotic in the body, which is needed for infection control. Noncompliance with Macrobid …

Metabolic side-effects: Macrobid intake by diabetic individuals can result in poor blood sugar control and episodes of hyperglycemia. Diabetic individuals taking Macrobid for prolonged period of time must be aware of this side-effect with Macrobid and the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia they …

Prolonged use of Macrobid can result in deficiency of enzyme systems needed to maintain the integrity of red blood cells. This can result in poor red blood cell integrity, predisposing the cells to lysis, contributing to development of hemolytic anemia. This breakdown of …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose and frequency on this medication without consulting your doctor. Take the medication dose for the duration prescribed without fail. The dose and length of treatment depends upon the medical condition, …

Macrobid is an antibiotic that is active against a number of bacteria infecting the urinary tract and causing urinary tract infections. As Macrobid reaches poor concentrations in body sites other than the urinary tract, it cannot be used for bacterial infections involving body …

Discuss with your doctor regarding any previous allergic responses you experienced with other NSAIDs, such as, ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium. Naprosyn carries the risk of causing dizziness and confusion. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until …

Renal damage and hypertension: Renal prostaglandins help dilation of blood vessels in the kidneys and thereby, reduce the blood pressure. Naprosyn inhibits the production of prostaglandins in all the tissues, including the renal. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the kidneys, result in vasoconstriction …

Patients with history of dyspepsia and heartburn must be cautious about using Naprosyn. Discuss with your doctor regarding your history of the same. Naprosyn must be used cautiously in individuals with history of gastric ulcers, as intake of this medication can lead to …

Take Naprosyn pill with or without food along with a full 8 oz. glass of water. Taking the medication with food helps prevent any nauseating sensation and stomach upset. Evenly space out the doses of pain pill and take the dose at the …

Naprosyn is an NSAID. This medication acts by inhibiting both the cyclooxygenase enzymes, COX 1 and COX 2. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes result in reduced production of prostaglandins. Since prostaglandins result in swelling of the injured tissues and amplification of the sensitivity to …

Olanzapine use, especially on empty stomach, can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of olanzapine with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the …

Musculoskeletal side effects: Olanzapine intake carries the risk of lowering the threshold for seizures, thereby, resulting in seizure activity, especially in individuals with history of the same Olanzapine intake can also induce a life-threatening reaction called Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Individuals taking olanzapine can …

Olanzapine can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on olanzapine, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with olanzapine. Also, if you have …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose and frequency on this medication without consulting your doctor. Take the medication dose for the duration prescribed without fail. Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to …

Schizophrenia: Olanzapine can be used for controlling the hallucination, delusions, lack of concentration, and apathy, associated with schizophrenia. Psychosis: Olanzapine helps with controlling the racing thoughts associated with the psychotic states and thus, helps with controlling the unrealistic fears and illogical thought processes …

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are manufactured in the brain and released by nerve endings, at the synapse, which is a junction between two nerves. The neurotransmitters released bind to their individual receptors and communicates the impulse to the nerves around. There are various …

Be aware of signs and symptoms of bradycardia and hypotension, to avoid any episodes of altered levels of consciousness and accidental falls. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects …

Symptoms of hypotension can occur secondary to reduced heart rate. This can reduce blood supply to the vital organs, such as, brain and results in symptoms such as, dizziness, headache, and feeling lightheaded. Pacerone can cause rapid heart rate, fluttering in the chest, …

Avoid using Pacerone along with any other medications that can cause slowdown of heart rate, such as, Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Using them together can result in extreme slowdown of heart rate and can present an emergency. Pacerone is contraindicated in …

Take the medication at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Do not change the dose on …

Pacerone is an antiarrhythmic medication that is mainly a potassium channel blocker, but also has some sodium channel blocking, Beta blocking, and calcium channel blocking properties. Pacerone reduces the excitability of cardiac tissues and reduces the conduction velocity of the impulse, thus preventing …

This medication is usually prescribed for short duration. If prescribed for longer periods of time, follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. This helps with securing the refill in time and making arrangements for pick-up at the pharmacy. Also, you can …

Do not take quazepam, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of quazepam or any other medications belonging to the same group as quazepam, such as, oxazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, and alprazolam. In the event of an allergic response with any of …

Short-term memory loss: Quazepam carries the risk of inducing temporary short-term memory loss and confusion, when you wake up the following morning, thus compromising safety and leading to falls and accidents. Individuals taking quazepam can develop anterograde amnesia, which is a compromised ability …

Take the medication dose at the same time every day, for the duration prescribed. This can help with maintaining the required therapeutic concentration of medication in the blood and maintain compliance with intake of medication. Quazepam is usually taken 30 – 45 minutes …

Neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord are chemical messengers that help the nerve cells to communicate with each other. These chemicals can both be excitatory and inhibitory. Excitatory neurotransmitters help in stimulating the brain and spinal cord nerve cells. These chemicals contribute …

Watch closely for development of any allergic reactions to ranitidine, such as, skin rashes, hives, and rashes. Some patients can present with symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical …

General allergic reactions: Ranitidine use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching. Some patients can present with symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency …

Do not use this medication if you have history of allergy or serious side-effects to ranitidine or use of any other medication belonging to the group of H2 blockers, such as, cimetidine and famotidine. Ranitidine is significantly metabolized in the liver. If liver …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Ranitidine could be prescribed as an oral …

H2 receptors are found in parietal cells of stomach. Histamine binds to these receptors in parietal cells of stomach and stimulate secretion of gastric acid into the stomach. This acid secreted helps with activation of some enzymes in the stomach, which aids in …

Do not use a spacer with the Salmeterol inhalation diskus, as spacers cannot help powder form of the inhaler. Do not wet or wash the Salmeterol diskus and the mouthpiece. Always, maintain them dry. After loading the medication ready to inhale, one important …

Closely watch for any worsening of asthmatic symptoms, such as, increasing wheezing, increased frequency of exacerbation of shortness of breath, reducing endurance, and feeling tiresome. Any worsening of asthmatic symptoms must be reported immediately. Observe compliance with taking BP readings every day and …

Patients taking Salmeterol can sometimes present with worsening of asthmatic symptoms, with increasing wheezing, increased frequency of exacerbation of shortness of breath, reducing endurance, and feeling tiresome. Any worsening of asthmatic symptoms must be reported immediately. Stimulation of Beta-2 receptors in the vascular …

A Salmeterol diskus dispenses dry Salmeterol inhaler powder, in contrast to the aerosol inhaler. Make sure the diskus and mouthpiece are clean before use every time. Use a dry cloth to wipe the diskus clean before use. Do not wet or wash the …

Always, check the expiration date on the Salmeterol inhaler before using it. Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before every use. Take the cap off the mouthpiece. Make sure the mouthpiece is clean before having it in the mouth. Hold the Salmeterol …

For Salmeterol aerosol inhalers that do not have a built-in counter, a manual watch is mandatory, to keep track of the number of doses of medication used. Every canister will have the number of doses or puffs it carries, printed on the side …

Salmeterol aerosol inhalers might have a built-in counter to indicate the number of doses left in the canister. The counter automatically adjusts to the number of doses left in the canister, every time the inhaler is used. Keep a watch on these numbers …

When a new canister of Salmeterol aerosol inhaler is being used, the canister may not deliver the correct amount of medication with the initial actuation of the inhaler. So, priming of the Salmeterol canister should be done, to make it ready for use. …

Salmeterol is a long-acting agonist at Beta-2 receptors mainly located in the bronchial smooth muscle of respiratory tract and smooth muscle of blood vessels. Salmeterol starts acting in about 30 to 45 minutes and can be effective for 12 to 24 hours. Phosphorylation …

As Tamsulosin intake can lead to hypotensive episodes, individuals can increasingly present with episodes of dizziness, confusion, falls and accidents. The risk for hypotension could be even more, if you are also taking any other antihypertensive medications. Try spacing Tamsulosin out from other antihypertensive medications to avoid episodes of dizziness, …

Hypotension: Tamsulosin use can result in relaxing the blood vessels and contributes to lowering the blood pressure and episodes of hypotension. Individuals can increasingly present with episodes of dizziness, confusion, and prevent any falls and accidents. The risk for hypotension could be even more, if you are also taking any …

Tamsulosin is significantly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, metabolism of Tamsulosin could be slowed down. Slowing down of the drug metabolism can result in increased risk for toxicity and compromised therapeutic benefits with the medication. Tamsulosin is significantly eliminated in urine, by the kidneys. Individuals with …

Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor Take the medication dose with a glass of water at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, …

Prostate and the neck of the urinary bladder are richly supplied with smooth muscle, which controls the pattern of urine flow. Increased tone and contraction of this smooth muscle can result in obstruction to urine flow. Relaxation of this smooth muscle helps with smooth and uninterrupted flow of urine. Tamsulosin …

The tone of smooth muscle in the prostate gland and the neck of bladder controls the ease of urine flow. This smooth muscle has receptors called alpha-1 receptors, which are acted upon by adrenaline. Adrenaline activity on the alpha – 1 receptors can lead to increased tone of the smooth …

Ultram is a synthetic opioid pain reliever. Ultram binds with the opioid receptors in the brain, blocks the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as, substance P, which are involved with pain production, and inhibits pain transmission. …

Ultram pill with or without food along with a full 8 oz. glass of water. Taking the medication with food helps prevent any nauseating sensation. Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily, while you …

Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth: These are some of the most common side effects of Ultram. Taking Ultram with some food can minimize the effects of nausea and vomiting. Liberal intake of water with Ultram helps …

Ultram must be avoided or used cautiously in individuals allergic to opioid analgesics, such as, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone. Ultram slows down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Ultram must be avoided or used with …

Ultram must be avoided or used cautiously in individuals allergic to opioid analgesics, such as, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone. Ultram slows down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Increase intake of daily fiber can help …

Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods …

Abuse potential: Valium intake can be habit-forming and carries an abuse potential. The risk for addiction and abuse can be even higher, especially in individuals with history of substance abuse. Tolerance: Individuals develop tolerance to the …

Do not take valium, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of valium or any other medications belonging to the same group as valium, such as, oxazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, and alprazolam. In the event …

Take the medication dose at the same time every day, for the duration prescribed. This can help with maintaining the required therapeutic concentration of medication in the blood and maintain compliance with intake of medication. Maintain …

Anxiety: By depressing the brain and spinal cord, valium promotes dizziness, reduces activity, and alertness.  This can help to reduce excitability and relieve symptoms of anxiety in individuals with history. Bipolar disorder: Valium can be used …

Neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord are chemical messengers that help the nerve cells to communicate with each other. These chemicals can both be excitatory and inhibitory. Excitatory neurotransmitters help in stimulating the brain and …

Warfarin is an anticoagulant inhibiting some proteins that help clotting. Warfarin inhibits Vitamin K dependent factors, II, VII, IX, and X, along the coagulation pathway. Warfarin helps individuals with atrial fibrillation, by preventing formation of clot …

Maintain strict compliance with intake of Warfarin as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Noncompliance with this recommendation can result in episodes of bleeding or clot formation. So, …

Nausea and vomiting: These are some of the most common side effects of Warfarin. Taking Warfarin with some food can minimize the effects of nausea and vomiting. Anaphylaxis: A rare, but serious anaphylactic response can occur …

Warfarin is mainly metabolized by the liver. Individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Warfarin and this can lead to increased blood levels of Warfarin for longer duration, leading to toxicity and episodes of …

Patients taking Warfarin can present with nose bleeds at the slightest injury. Avoid excessive sneezing and nose picking, which can result in heavy nose bleeds. Also, avoid exposure to extreme cold climate, as the weather in …

Xanax use, especially on empty stomach, can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of Xanax with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help …

Respiratory depression: Xanax, especially when taken in high doses, can lead to depression of respiratory center in the brain and difficulty breathing. Severe cases might also lead to emergency situations, such as, respiratory arrest and can …

Do not take Xanax, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of diazepam or any other medications belonging to the benzodiazepine group, such as, oxazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, and diazepam. In the event of an …

Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, for the duration prescribed, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and …

Bipolar disorder: Xanax can be used along with antipsychotics, such as, clozapine and olanzapine, for management of mild agitation and anxiety symptoms during the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorders: Xanax can also help with …

Gama-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, acting on the GABA receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), thus inhibiting the nerve impulses and depressing the brain and spinal cord. Xanax is a medication belonging to …

Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods of time, set enough reminders to help yourself pick the refill before you run …

Gastrointestinal side-effects: This medication can induce some nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset with self-limiting diarrhea, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Observe compliance with fluid, electrolyte, and nutrition intake, as …

Do not take zanaflex, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of zanaflex or any other medications belonging to the group of skeletal muscle relaxants, such as, methocarbamol and baclofen. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, check with your physician regarding your …

Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of zanaflex needed to derive the desired beneficial effects and also prevent toxicity with the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the …

Brain and spinal cord injury: Individuals with brain and spinal cord damage from mechanical injuries, work injuries, automobile accidents, and stroke present with intense muscle tightness and spasticity. Muscle spasticity can lead to contractures, rigidity, stiffness, and limited range of motion contributing to severe limitation of performance on activities of …

Nerve impulses travel from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) along the nerves to the muscles. Upon conduction to the muscles, these impulses cause the muscle to contract. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are synthesized in the body and help the nerve cells to communicate with each other …

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) as follows: 1 Maintain compliance with the no smoking instructions. Smoking can add additional insult to the injured lungs and can lead to further deterioration of respiratory status in the patient. 2 Compliance with …

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on the signs and symptoms of ARDS as follows: Signs and symptoms of ARDS can vary in intensity, secondary to the differences in the extent of lung injury and alveolar damage, along with other comorbidities patients can have. Usual signs and symptoms …

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on risk factors for development of ARDS as follows: ARDS usually occurs in patients, who are severely ill, hospitalized, and have many factors of comorbidity. Injury to the lungs and alveoli can occur secondary to conditions such as,

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress Syndrome (ARDS) as follows: ARDS usually occurs in patients, who are severely ill, hospitalized, and have many factors of comorbidity. The common element among the various risk factors for development of ARDS is, diffuse injury to …

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on acute respiratory distress syndrome also known as ARDS as follows: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome also known as ARDS is a condition in which there is fluid built up in the alveoli of the lungs, secondary to injury to the lung. Usually, …

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on pulmonary surfactant as follows: Surfactant is a substance produced by cells in the alveoli of the lung. During exhalation or breathing out, surface tension between the walls of the alveoli will be high and this can lead to the walls of …

Maintain warm environment: Cold weather can promote contraction of the prostate muscle. This results in the prostate pressing on to the urethra closely, obstruct the urine flow, and worsen symptoms of BPH in individuals with history. Warm temperatures promote relaxation of the prostate muscle, promotes urine flow, and improve the …

Management measures for BPH essentially depend on the extent of symptoms and discomfort individuals present with.  Minimal to mild symptoms: Individuals with minimal to mild symptoms can be managed by lifestyle modification measures, such as, bladder retraining, limiting intake of caffeinated drinks, and others. Mild to moderate symptoms: Individuals with …

Damage to urinary bladder: Inhibited flow of urine in individuals with BPH can result in difficulty emptying the urinary bladder. This leads to back-up of urine in the bladder, which increases pressure in the urinary bladder. This increased pressure in the bladder can progressively overstretch the bladder, weaken, and damage …

Prostate is a gland in males that surrounds the urethra and located between the urinary bladder and penis. For reasons unclear, prostate gland in some individuals can be enlarged. Hormonal disturbances in elderly males is considered to be an important factor contributing to the enlargement of prostate. As prostate normally …

Prostate is a gland in males that surrounds the urethra and located between the urinary bladder and penis. Prostate gland secretes prostatic fluid, which nourishes sperm cells produced by the testicles. By nourishing the sperm cells and maintaining them viable, prostate gland helps with male fertility. For reasons unclear, prostate …

Prostate is a gland in males, located between the urinary bladder and penis. Prostate surrounds the urethra, an outlet to the urinary bladder connecting the bladder to the external urethral opening and helping with elimination of urine out of the body. Prostate secretes fluid, which along with secretions from the …

Take time every day to have the callus soaked in warm water for 15 minutes. This can help to soften the hardened skin on the callus. This softened skin can be easily removed by rubbing it with a nail file or an emery board or a soft bristled toothbrush. Individuals …

Prolonged excessive friction and pressure on the skin against any surface can result in the formation of callus. The undue friction and pressure can be due to Improperly fitting shoe: Shoes with narrow toe box have edges that close onto your toes, crowd on them, and can exert undue pressure …

Callus is a portion of thickened skin developed especially in response to prolonged excessive friction and pressure on the skin against any hard surface. The sensitive skin can respond to prolonged friction and pressure with development of a callus. Callus can present as a thick, hardened, & raised area of …

Pay close attention to food labels. Focus upon choosing foods low in saturated fat, trans fats, and LDL cholesterol. Look for food items with the label rich in unsaturated fat and HDL cholesterol. Also, look for food items with the label reduced salt or no added salt. Dairy products, such …

DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This essentially deals with observing strict moderation with intake of all the dietary sources at risk to enhance the blood pressure and worsen cardiac function, such as, sodium/salt and cholesterol/fats. DASH diet plan also deals with promotion of intake of all …

Hypertension: Sodium has the tendency to hold and retain fluid in the body, thus increasing the blood volume. Increased blood volume will exert more pressure on the blood vessels and contribute to elevated blood pressure. Increased consumption of unhealthy fats can increase risk for fatty deposits in the blood vessels, …

DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This essentially deals with observing strict moderation with intake of all the dietary sources at risk to enhance the blood pressure, such as, sodium/salt and cholesterol/fats. DASH diet plan deals with promotion of intake of all the dietary sources that potentially …

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which individuals have a genetic tendency to show a strong immune response upon exposure to allergens. The triggers that individuals respond to could differ from person to person. Common allergens in the environment include triggers such as, pollen, mold, and dust. Individuals …

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which individuals have a genetic tendency to show a strong immune response upon exposure to food and environmental allergens, such as, pollen, hay, and seafood. The triggers that individuals respond to could differ from person to person. Eczema activation can result in …

Environmental allergens: Individuals with genetic tendency to present with eczema upon exposure to normal allergens in the environment, such as, dust mites, pollen, pet hair, and mold can present with an activation of eczema. Triggers can also include chemicals used in sanitary and cosmetic products, such as, soaps, shampoos, disinfectants, …

Chronic itchy skin: Eczema activation can result in chronic inflammatory skin rash, appearing as brownish red patches with intense itching, especially involving skin on the extremities, eyelids, neck, and upper chest. Individuals can also present with small blisters on the affected skin, which can burst open leaking fluid, leaving sore …

Apply moisturizing cream all over every day. You can also apply coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or jojoba oils all over the body and face, to moisturize the irritated skin. Moisture prevents excessive drying of skin and eczema activation. Proper trimming of the nails can help prevent scratching the …

Together with carbohydrates and proteins, fats are one of the major nutrients. Fats store rich energy and each gram of fat, upon metabolism, yields 9 calories of energy. Deficiency of fats can result in energy deprivation and weakness. Fats form an important component of cell membrane, which surrounds the cells …

Fats are derived from both vegetable and animal/meat sources, form one of the main elements of healthy diet, and act as a major source of energy during metabolism. Apart from being rich source of energy, fats function as structural building blocks of the body, cushions and protects vital organs, aid …

Fats are derived from both vegetable and animal/meat sources and form one of the main elements of healthy diet. While making choices for fatty foods, it is important to choose foods high in unsaturated fats. More unsaturated fats in diet are low risk factors for HTN, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, …

Fats are derived from both vegetable and animal/meat sources and form one of the main elements of healthy diet. While making choices for fatty foods, it is important to choose foods high in unsaturated fats. More unsaturated fats in diet are low risk factors for HTN, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, …

Fats are derived from both vegetable and animal/meat sources and form one of the main elements of healthy diet. While making choices for fatty foods, it is important to avoid foods high in saturated and unhealthy fats. More saturated fats and high cholesterol foods in diet are high risk factors …

Trans fats are a kind of very unhealthy fats found naturally in small quantities in some meat and dairy products. Significant amounts of trans fats are produced during refining and removing the odor, while manufacturing commercial vegetable oils. Refined vegetable oils are less likely to go stale and so, food …

Pay close attention to food labels. Focus upon choosing foods low in saturated fat and trans fats. Choose low fat (1% or 2% fat) or fat free alternatives on milk and milk products, such as, yogurt and butter milk, versus whole milk, whole fat yogurt, and whole fat butter milk. …

Pay close attention to food labels. Focus upon choosing foods low in saturated fat and trans fats. Choose low fat (1% or 2% fat) or fat free alternatives on milk and milk products, such as, yogurt and butter milk, versus whole milk, whole fat yogurt, and whole fat butter milk. …

The small intestine is a length of smooth muscle that connects stomach and large intestine. Small intestine has 3 parts in it- Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum Food that is chewed and swallowed enters the stomach and is acted upon by stomach enzymes and acid and is partially digested. Partially digested food …

Large intestine is the loop of intestine that connects small intestine and anus. Large intestine has 4 parts in it- Cecum, Colon, Rectum, Anal canal Large intestine receives all the undigested material from the small intestine, which has significant amount of water content in it. This water can be reabsorbed …

The stomach is a hollow organ that is in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Chewed food from the mouth passes through the esophagus and enters the stomach. The stomach is a muscular organ that helps with both physical and chemical breakdown of complex food material. The churning of …

Head injuries can be broadly classified into closed and open. Closed head injuries are more common in general. A closed head injury is any injury in which the skull remains intact, such as, a bruise or a small bump. An open head injury is a severe injury in which the …

Falls and accidents: Falls & accidents are the most common cause of head injury in senior citizens, bumping their head onto some hard surface, such as, a wall or floor. The injury can be mild to severe during a fall. When the injury is mild, the individual can suffer a …

Motor weakness: Age-related degeneration of muscle tissue and loss of muscle tone can contribute to progressive motor weakness, resulting in serious fall incidents in senior citizens. Sudden change of position: Blood supply to the head and brain tend to suffer in sudden standing position, as blood tends to pool heavily …

Mild head injury can result in the following signs & symptoms and if the impact is mild, these symptoms can be self-limited and improve or resolve in due course of time. Bruising and swelling: The site of injury can be bruised & inflamed with swelling and the individual can present …

Signs and symptoms of head injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury suffered. Also, some symptoms can appear during immediate 24 – 48 hours after injury and some symptoms can also appear in a few weeks after injury. The symptoms can progressively improve or worsen based on …

Altered level of consciousness: Brain damage from the injury can result in altered consciousness and pose problems with orientation to time, place, and person. Individuals can also present with loss of consciousness (LOC) and issues with the consciousness could resolve in due course of time or continue for prolonged periods …

Individuals with ileostomy find it difficult to digest certain food materials, which can eventually show up in the stool. These poorly processed foods can block the stoma leading to emergency situations. Avoiding these foods is recommended in individuals with ileostomy, especially during the …

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Individuals on ileostomy lose significant amounts of water and electrolytes in the stool. Fluid and electrolytes are significantly absorbed in the large intestine. So, a stoma placed ahead of large intestine along the length of the bowels, such as …

Individuals on ileostomy could develop abdominal pain and discomfort secondary to any complications at the involved bowel segment. Any uncontrolled abdominal pain need to be reported to the physician for further investigation. Poorly measured stomas, improperly cut wafers, and loosely attached ileostomy bags …

Do not wait too long to empty the bag. Empty the bag periodically, once it is a third to half-way full. Excessive collection in the bag can increase the load in the bag, which can force the bag to open and lead to …

A decently fixed ileostomy bag should hold good for 3 – 5 days. Many parameters, such as, skin condition & contour, amount of drainage collecting into the bag, frequency of emptying etc., could determine the duration an ileostomy bag lasts. So, plan to …

The back of the wafers could have cutting guides, denoting the lines of cut appropriate to the individual stoma size. If the wafer has the cutting guide and the user is pretty aware of the stoma size, one can go ahead with cutting …

Measure your stoma regularly, preferably on every bag change, at least during the initial few weeks of initiating on ileostomy. The stoma size is likely to change the heavily during this time and proper measurement of stoma helps with proper fixation of bag, …

Avoid performing bag changes when the bowels are highly active. After removing the bag, if the bowels are highly active, this can result in spillage of stool out of the stoma and on to the surrounding skin. This can result in irritation of …

Wafers can come in various sizes, allowing different maximum stoma sizes that you can cut on them. Some wafers could allow cut to fit a larger sized stoma and some others could allow cut to fit a stoma of smaller size. This indicates …

Two piece ileostomy is a device in which the wafer and the ileostomy bag are separate and are two different units. As they are two separate units, two piece ileostomy has the advantage of discarding just the wafer or the bag for a …

One piece ileostomy is a device in which the wafer and the ileostomy bag are fused together into one single unit. As they are fused into one unit, a defect in either of them leads to discarding & replacing the whole unit. This …

Congenital defects: Some birth defects can necessitate an ileostomy in newborn babies. Babies could sometimes be born with defects, such as, spina bifida. Spina bifida is a condition in which the spine is poorly formed in the newborn. Nerves supplying the bowel and …

An ileostomy is an artificial opening made by your surgeon from the ileum, the terminal portion of your small intestine. The ileum is brought out on to your abdomen, which appears dark pink in color. The ileostomy may become necessary in individuals with …

Nephron is the minute and functional unit of a kidney. Each healthy adult kidney has about 1-1.5 millions of nephrons. So, put together, every healthy adult has about 2-3 millions of nephrons. All the nephrons collectively …

Each nephron has a mass of thin-walled capillaries called glomerulus situated in a cup like structure called Bowman’s capsule. Blood flows into the glomerulus through the afferent arteriole and leaves the glomerulus through the efferent arteriole. …

Each nephron has a mass of thin-walled capillaries called glomerulus situated in a cup like structure called Bowman’s capsule. Blood flows into the glomerulus through the afferent arteriole and leaves the glomerulus through the efferent arteriole. …

Parts of the renal tubule are sensitive to the action of some hormones, which signal the tubule to control the reabsorption and secretion of water and some salts. Hormones influencing the function of renal tubule include …

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone secreted from the pituitary gland, acts on the renal tubule and controls the reabsorption of water from the glomerular filtrate into the body. Secretion of this hormone is stimulated during hypotensive …

Aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, acts on the renal tubule controlling reabsorption of water and sodium from the glomerular filtrate in exchange for excretion of excess potassium into the filtrate. Aldosterone release is …

Parathyroid hormone or parathormone is a hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland during states of low calcium and high phosphorus concentrations in the blood. Secretion of parathyroid hormone leads to increased production of vitamin D3 by …

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a hormone secreted from the heart, acts on the renal tubule and controls the reabsorption of water and sodium from the glomerular filtrate into the body. Secretion of this hormone is stimulated …

Glomerulus is a mass of thin-walled capillaries in the nephron. Glomeruli are the filtering units in the kidney that help filter excess water, salts, wastes, and other impurities from the blood. Glomerular filtration rate is a …

GFR is determined by performing a simple blood test for creatinine, a waste product of muscle metabolism. Creatinine produced in the human body enters the kidneys through the renal blood flow, is freely filtered in the …

Fluid balance: Kidneys help to maintain fluid balance in the body. If the body is deficient of fluid, kidneys help to reabsorb more fluid from the blood and saves the water for the body. If the …

Lactose intolerance is a condition that arises when individuals have problem with digesting lactose, which is a sugar found in milk. Individuals with this disorder are deficient in an enzyme, lactase, produced and secreted in the …

Individuals with lactose intolerance poorly digest lactose in the small intestine. When undigested lactose enters the large intestine, in about an hour or two after consumption, this portion of the intestine is intolerant to undigested lactose …

Lactose free dairy products: Individuals with absolute lack of the enzyme lactase can opt for lactose free dairy products to avoid discomfort due to lactose intolerance. Limit dairy products: Limiting dairy products, such as, milk and …

Plan for a well-rounded meal with good amount of all the major elements of diet, such as, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, and other nutrients. Plan on avoiding unhealthy fats/oils, extra & added salt and sugars. Focus …

Avoid/minimize having any unhealthy fats/oils, by limiting fried foods in your diet. To avoid extra calories from unhealthy fats and oils, choose food items that are baked, roasted, or grilled against fried. Choose lean meats that are baked or grilled, instead of meat …

Plan for a well-rounded meal with good amount of all the major elements of diet, such as, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, and other nutrients. Plan on avoiding unhealthy fats/oils, extra & added salt and sugars. Focus …

A nebulizer is an apparatus that uses compressed air to turn liquid medication into a fine mist, which can be breathed in, using a mouthpiece. Different types of medications can be used in the nebulizer for …

There are 4 parts to a nebulizer: air compressor, oxygen tubing, nebulizer cup and mouthpiece Make sure the nebulizer cup and air compressor are clean before using them. Connect the air compressor to an electric outlet. …

Nebulizer parts are detached and cleaned after every single use. The nebulizer cup and mouthpiece are cleansed using mild soap and warm water and rinse with water. The extra water is shaken off. The parts can …

Nebulizer parts are disinfected every other day. Nebulizer cup and mouthpiece can either be left in boiling water for 10 minutes or soak the parts in a mixture of one part of vinegar and three parts …

Breathing devices, such as, positive airway pressure machines, could be recommended to individuals with sleep apnea. Use of positive airway pressure machines, such as, CPAP and BiPAP during sleep time can help maintain airways patent and …

Appropriate tension in the airway muscles of the throat is needed to properly support anatomical soft structures in the throat, such as, the soft palate (the posterior portion of roof of the mouth), uvula (the soft …

Caregivers of individuals with history of sleep apnea must keep a close watch on the snoring during the night. Any gross increase in the snoring of the individual should be reported to the physician for further …

Risk for poor blood sugar control: Poorly managed sleep apnea can result in interrupted sleep pattern with multiple awakenings during the night. Lack of sleep and proper rest can lead to a stressful situation. Human body …

Snoring: Passage of air through narrowed and obstructed airways lead to the characteristic snore in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. Cessation of breathing: Obstruction to the airflow due to narrowed airways lead to sudden cessation of …

Obesity: Appropriate tension in the airway muscles of the throat is needed to properly support anatomical soft structures in the throat, such as, the soft palate (the posterior portion of roof of the mouth), uvula (the …

Obstructive sleep apnea is a relatively more common type of sleep apnea, arising due to poorly functioning airway muscles in the throat. Appropriate tension in these muscles is needed to properly support anatomical structures in the …

You must make an appointment 1 to 2 weeks after implantation of the pacemaker to inspect the surgical incision to make sure it is well healed. Again, be sure to call if there are any concerns about the appearance of the surgical site. …

The pacemaker generally lasts 6 to 8 years, depending on many factors including how often it paces the heart and how much energy it uses when pacing. The pacemaker alerts the physician when it needs replacement by changing the rate at which it …

Airport metal detectors: Carry an ID card that indicates your status of having a pacemaker. Usually metal detectors are safe for pacemaker. But, since there is some metal in the pacemaker, be sure to let the security staff at the airport know that …

Maintain the skin at the site of insertion dry for 48 to 72 hours. Avoid activities like swimming and rigorous sports, until cleared safe by your doctor. Do not scrub this area, while taking a shower. Do not lift arm over the head …

Check with your doctor regarding the material used during the surgery, such as, anesthetic agents, antibiotics, pain killers, latex, and tape. Notify your doctor, if you are allergic to the materials planned for the surgery. Pregnant and breast feeding female should notify the …

Infection at the site of incision on the chest, where the pulse generator is implanted or at the site of catheter insertion in the blood vessel. Bleeding from the site of incision on the chest. Damage to the vein at the site of …

In patients, whose natural pacemaker is damaged or defective, an artificial pacemaker is implanted to replace the natural pacemaker, to initiate the regular heartbeat. This is a small battery operated device that helps the heart to beat in a regular rhythm. This has …

Pacemaker is the site in the heart, which initiates the heartbeat. A human heart has a natural pacemaker in the heart. This structure is called SA node or sinoatrial node. This site initiates heartbeat at a rate of 60 – 100 beats per …

Rely on other seasonings and spices, such as, onions, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, green chilies, saffron, coriander, fennel, turmeric, and lemon to add flavor to the food. This can help avoid eating too bland and reduce craving for the salt. …

Significant portion of our daily sodium intake is hidden in the various foods we eat and preparation products, such as, sauces, ketchup, and curry powders we use for cooking. A minor portion of the sodium consumption comes from the extra salt we add …

Renal diet is typically recommended for individuals with compromised kidney function and in renal failure and compliance with renal diet can help patients in renal failure maintain/improve their health between the renal treatments. Dietary limitations recommended for these individuals help to reduce the …

Kidneys perform the function of urine formation and elimination of excess fluid, toxins and wastes from the body. In individuals with compromised kidney function and renal failure, the kidneys are underperforming or totally stopped functioning, by which excess water, electrolytes, toxins, and other …

Pain: The activation of virus in the nerves can spread down along the nerve path it is living in, causing a painful fluid-filled blistering rash with itching and burning along the distribution of the nerve involved. The involved skin could be very sensitive …

Shingles is a painful skin rash, caused by the virus causing chickenpox, varicella-zoster. In individuals with history of chickenpox infection, the virus can live latent and inactive in various nerves of the body for years. Strong and intact immune system can help keeping …

Senior citizens, individuals receiving chemo or radiation therapies, individuals with history of HIV or AIDS, and individuals with history of organ transplantation & prolonged steroid intake can be particularly at increased risk for exposure to infectious agents and diseases. The risk to contact …

In individuals with history of chickenpox infection, the virus causing chickenpox can live latent and inactive in various nerves of the body for years. Strong and intact immune system can help keeping the virus latent, thus preventing it’s reactivation. The latent virus has …

Shingles is a painful skin rash, caused by the virus causing chickenpox, varicella-zoster. In individuals with history of chickenpox infection, the virus can live latent and inactive in various nerves of the body for years. Strong and intact immune system can help keeping …

Reduced output of blood from the heart, in individuals with valvular heart disease, can result in low blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistent …

Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure and heart rate readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistent systolic readings below 90 and above 160. Report consistent diastolic readings below 60 and above 90. Report any consistent heart rate readings below …

Worsening pedal edema: Persistent back-up of fluid in the heart chambers can lead to progressive deterioration of heart function, enlargement of the heart, weakening of heart muscle, and heart failure. Individuals can present with swelling of the lower legs, with pitting upon applying …

Hypotension: Reduced output of blood from the heart will result in low blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Also, reduced blood supply to brain, secondary to hypotension and reduced output from heart, can contribute to altered level of consciousness. Eventually, …

Increased workload of the heart: Forward pumping of blood through the regurgitating or incompletely closed valve can be difficult due to continuous back-flow of blood into the heart chambers. Increased volume of blood in the heart chambers adds extra load to the heart. …

A normal functioning tricuspid valve closes completely, when the right ventricle contracts, allowing deoxygenated/venous blood from the right ventricle to be pumped through the pulmonary arteries, to the lungs for oxygen pick-up. Tricuspid regurgitation is an abnormal condition of incomplete closing of the …

Ulcerative colitis is a condition, secondary to chronic inflammation in the intestines. Ulcerative colitis can occur due to an abnormal autoimmune response, which develops inflammatory cells that damage the cells of the intestinal wall and lead to symptoms of the inflammatory bowel disease. …

Abdominal pain: Pain is secondary to the inflammation and swelling of the large intestinal walls. Abdominal cramps: Contractions of the smooth muscle in the swollen large intestines result in cramps. Reduced appetite: The abdominal pain and cramps can reduce the appetite and patients …

Severe bleeding with blood loss in stool: The inflammation can lead to ulcerations in the large intestines, leading to hemorrhage and bleeding. This bleeding can be fresh and bright with some mucus. Diffusely swollen colon: The inflammation in the wall of large intestine …

Veins are blood vessels that help with return of deoxygenated blood from various organs of the body to the right side of heart. The smaller veins in the upper part of the body merge to form one large vein, superior vena cava, and …

Draining of blood from the upper body to the heart, such as, head and neck, to the heart, is mainly dependent on gravity, which is a force acting downward in the direction of blood flow. Draining of venous blood from the lower parts …

Aching pain in the legs, secondary to increased accumulation of blood in the veins Worsening pain and muscle cramps in the legs with activity and exercise, secondary to reduced oxygen supply to the working muscles Dark blue or purple colored cord like veins …

Age: With advancing age, the valves in the veins helping with unidirectional blood flow in the lower limbs, towards the heart, lose their ability to regulate the blood flow. Also, the veins lose their elasticity with age, allowing them to stretch beyond limits …

Worsening pain and muscle cramps in the legs with activity and exercise, can limit exercise tolerance and contribute to diminishing muscle tone, further deteriorating the varicosities. Sluggish flow with prolonged stagnation of blood in the lower extremities can also result in formation of …

Avoid crossing the legs during sitting, as this posture can obstruct venous return from the legs to the heart and retain more blood volume in the legs, thus contributing to symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. Prolonged standing offers significant effect of gravity, for blood …

Warts are fleshy, grainy, usually painless bumps that occur on the skin of fingers and toes, secondary to infection with a virus, Human papilloma virus (HPV). Multiple strains or varieties of HPV exist, which cause a wide range of conditions from simple warts …

Most common means for spread of warts is contact with the wart. Avoid any potential contact or picking the wart. Wash your hands clean with soap and water after any accidental touch with wart surface, with you or others having the wart. Getting …

Most common means for spread of warts is contact with the wart. Avoid any potential contact or picking the wart. Wash your hands clean with soap and water after any accidental touch with wart surface, with you or others having the wart. Getting …