Self Care Flashcards
Gastroentertis OTC Tx
Peptobismol >12y/o
Emetrol >2y/o
Overeating OTC Tx
- Famotidine >12 y/o
- peptobismol >12 y/o
Motion sickness/vertigo/dizziness OTC
- Meclizine >12 y/o
- Dimenhydrinate >2 y/o
- Acupressure band
NVP OTC tx
Nausea only: Pyridoxine (B6)
Nausea + Vomit: B6 + Doxyalamine
Ginger
Acupressure band
Hemorrhoids TX
Avoid strain- soften stool
Internal:
1. Vasoconstrictors (phenylephrine, ephedrine)
2. Protectants
3. astringents - zinc oxide, calamine
4. steroids
External
1. local anesthetics - benzocaine, lidocaine, pramoxine
2. analgesics - bengay
3. Glycerin
4. steroids
N/V alarm conditions
Jaundice
Stiff neck +/- headache, light sensitivity (meningitis)
Head injury, blurring vision, numbness/tingling
Severe presentation
Hemorrhoids alarm condition
anal/rectal malignancy
black tarry stools (upper GI bleed)
Abscess, fistula, fissures
Heartburn/dyspepsia Alarm conditions
Hematemesis
black stools
Chronic hoarseness, wheezing, coughing, choking
unexplained weight loss
esophageal cancer
Diarrhea alarm symptoms
DM, CHF
immunosuppression
pregnancy
C.diff concerns with diarrhea and abx use
Call the provider about C.diff, refer to higher level of care
Onset of GERD med
Famotidine - 30 min
Omeprazole - 2 hr
Onset of laxatives
docusate (prevent strain)- 1-3 days
Bulk forming metamucil: 1-2 days
Saline laxatives - AVOID IN CHF or ESRD
- mag citrate: 15-30 min
- Na fleet enema: 2-15 min
Stimulants - much faster, good for opioid induced
- senna PO 6-10 hours
- bisacodyl PR: 15-60min
Lubricant agents
- Mineral oil PO 6-8 hr
- mineral oil PR <15 min
Exclusions for diarrhea self-care
<6 months
Pregnant
Severe dehydration
Infection, fever
Blood, mucus, pus in stool
Severe abdominal pain
Immunosupression
Diarrhea >14 days
recent abx use
Heartburn exclusions
symptoms last more than 3 months
Sx persist despite OTC therapy
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Emesis
Chronic hoarseness, wheezing, coughing
Continuous N/V/D
Children <2
SOB
pregnant/nursing
Nonpharm treatment GERD
Small frequent meals
Remain upright after/while eating
Don’t eat before bed
Avoid trigger foods
Weight loss
Smoking cessation
Prop head of bed using foam wedge
Avoid tight fitting clothing