Sunday, April 24, 2011

Medical Tips for Antihypertension Drugs


Administer a diuretic in the morning so that your patient's sleep isn't interrupted by night time diuresis. To prevent nausea or vomiting (a possible adverse impact of diuretics), have the individual take the drug with food.



For sporadic I.V. administration of a loop diuretic, give the drug undiluted for a price not to exceed 4 mg per minute through a Y-connector, a three-way stopcock, or an intermittent I.Sixth is v. access device. For any continuous infusion of furosemide, provide the drug in normal saline solution or dextrose 5% in water (DsW) at a rate of 5 to Forty mg per hour, utilizing an infusion pump. Remember to safeguard the solution from gentle. Make dose changes based on the patient's response. And monitor his urine output, blood pressure level, and cardiac standing frequently.



When giving an I.Sixth is v. infusion of a thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic, thin down the drug in sterile water or even Ringer's, lactated Ringer's, 0.45% normal saline, Zero.9% normal saline, DsW, or dextrose 10% in water.



During the course of therapy, monitor your person's fluid status, such as his daily dumbbells, intake, and output. Also, check their blood pressure in the seated, lying, and standing positions and note any changes which indicate orthostatic hypotension. Monitor his serum electrolytes, including potassium, salt, chloride, calcium, and magnesium.



Pay particular attention to your patient's potassium level. If it's under 3 mEq/L, he may need a potassium replacement. If your patient is receiving the potassium sparing diuretic, instruct him or her to avoid potassium-rich foods such as oranges, bananas, sodium substitutes, dried apricots, and dates. Also, if he's receiving triamterene, monitor his liver function studies.



When administering any diuretic, watch for lack of fluids by checking the patient's mucous membranes and by assessing for pores and skin turgor. Dehydrated patients may also complain of excessive thirst.



Watch for signs of metabolic alkalosis, including drowsiness as well as restlessness, and for signs and symptoms of hypokalemia, including malaise, fatigue, tachycardia, lower-leg cramps, and weak point. Monitor the elderly patient for signs of misunderstandings.



Be alert with regard to signs of hearing changes. Large bolus doses may cause ototoxicity. And if your individual is taking digoxin, along with a cycle diuretic, look for signs of digitalis toxicity.



After you administer the drug, the patient should change position slowly and sit a few minutes before standing to reduce orthostatic hypotension. If he has any adverse reactions, such as muscle mass cramps, weakness, nausea, and dizziness, report them to his doctor.



Instruct your individual to weigh himself daily and report increases of 2 lbs or more over Two days or less. Usually, a patient should increase his fluid intake while taking the medication. He should eat foods that are high in blood potassium and take any prescribed potassium dietary supplements to prevent hypokalemia. He should also check with his physician before taking any other drugs, including OTC medicines, and herbal supplements during the course of his treatment.



Article resource: articlemotron . com


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