They check the iron level also. Iron is essential for adequate red blood cell formation.
These blood tests are very meaningful to the doctor, so don’t complain when he wants to draw blood.
There are many books on the market that give a complete list of side effects for all medications. It is very helpful to have one when you are caregiving. I use mine often.
Giving medications at the proper time is very important in caregiving. Certain medications must be given with meals, after meals, or on an empty stomach. Ask questions about all medications to be sure that you are giving them properly.
I found that a list of the medications and when they should be given is very helpful in organizing the daily intake of all medicines. I bought a weekly dispenser that had four openings for medication each day. By putting a week’s worth of medications in a dispenser, you can see if the medicine has been given each part of the day. It is difficult to remember if you have given your patient their pills or not, especially when you have a dozen or more to give each day. The dispenser is very helpful
Another method many find helpful is to have a chart to tell you when to administer the medications. Then as you give the pills to the patient, you can check off each medication. This way you know that you have administered them at the proper time, and it helps the doctor as well.
Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions when you see the doctor. The more you know about your patient’s condition and the medications they are taking, the better you can care for your loved one.
It is helpful to have a tray to hold your medicine, and a decanter of water and a glass beside the bed. Be sure to have napkins close in case of a spill. If you have liquid medication to give to your patient give a piece of fruit, a cracker, or some ice to help mask the unpleasant taste of the medicine. When using liquid medication, it is helpful to have little plastic cups that you can measure your medicine in. You can purchase them at the pharmacy. They have measurements in ounces or cubic centimeters. This way the patient does not have to worry about spilling the liquid; it is much easier to take.
Always check the label on the medication to be sure you are giving it at the proper time and the proper dose. Have the patient place the medicine on the back of their tongue, take a mouthful of water, tilt their head back, and swallow. This will help the pill go down easily. Stay with the patient until the medication is taken.
Sometimes eye drops are prescribed for your patient, especially after cataract surgery. Putting drops in the patient’s eye is a treatment ordered by the doctor that can safely be carried out at home. The first things to do is wash your hands thoroughly. You don’t want to contaminate your patient’s eye in any way. Next, have the patient hold as still as possible. Have the patient lean his head back and look up. You should pull the lower lid down and drop the eye drops on the inside of the lower lid. This is easy and fast. Don’t let the tip of the bottle touch the eye itself. Most people will probably flinch or squint a little. Be sure that the patient doesn’t rub or use pressure on the eye after you administer the drug. Simply pat the face if any medication runs down the cheek.
Administering medication is simple if you follow the directions. Be sure to check any medication given to your patient, to be sure it is the proper time and the proper dosage. Before you begin always wash your hands to keep things as sterile as possible. Have a routine that you always follow and you will do just fine.
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