Patient was educated on rapid-action insulins as follows: Rapid-acting insulins are insulins that are very fast acting and have the shortest duration of action among all the insulins groups. These insulins have a very short onset of action of 15 minutes. The action of these insulins peak in about one hour. These insulins continue to exert their action for a total duration of 2 to 4 hours. Examples of rapid acting insulins include- Apidra, Humalog, [...]
Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using potassium-sparing diuretics as below: Potassium-sparing diuretics cause loss of sodium from the body and result in hyponatremia. Patients can present with nausea and vomiting, extreme lethargy, muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue secondary to very low sodium levels in the body. Be aware of these symptoms and report them to the physician without delay. Observe compliance with regular lab work ordered. Since the drug can lead [...]
Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using potassium-sparing diuretics as below: Drink 2.5 liters to 3 liters of fluid every day, as potassium-sparing diuretics tend 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 recommendation made is very important. Be aware of signs and symptoms of dehydration and hypotension, to avoid [...]
Patient was educated on contraindications for potassium-sparing diuretic use as follows: Avoid using potassium-sparing diuretics along with any drugs that can result in increasing potassium levels in blood, such as Captopril (ACE inhibitors) and Valsartan (Angiotensin receptor blockers). Using these medications together can result in dangerously elevated potassium levels in the body and can result in conduction disturbances in the heart and heart block. Potassium-sparing diuretics are mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function [...]
Patient was educated on the side effects of potassium-sparing diuretics use as follows: Symptoms of hypotension and dehydration, such as dry mouth, feeling dizzy and lightheaded with rapid heart rate can occur secondary to loss of fluid volume. Nausea and vomiting, extreme lethargy, muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue secondary to increased sodium loss from the body. Heart palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and fatigue secondary to increase in potassium levels in the body. Spironolactone can [...]
