SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Oxygen canisters should be kept at least 5 - 10 feet away from gas stoves, lighted fireplaces, wood stoves, candles or other sources of open flames. Do not use electric razors while using oxygen ( These are a possible source of sparks ). Do not use oil, grease or petroleum - based products on the equipment. Do not use it near you while you use oxygen. These materials are highly flammable and will burn readily with the presence of oxygen. Avoid petroleum - based lotions or creams, like Vaseline, on your face or upper chest. Check the ingredients of such products before purchase. If a skin moisturizer is needed, consider using cocoa butter, aloe vera or other similar products. For lubrication or rehydration of dry nasal passages, use water - based products. Your pharmacist or care provider can suggest these.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Post signs in every room where oxygen is in use. Make sure that absolutely no smoking occurs in the home or in the car when oxygen is in use. Secure an oxygen cylinder to a solidly fixed object to avoid creating a missile out of the tank. This might happen if it was accidentally knocked over and gas was allowed to escape. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Be familiar with the equipment and the safety checks established by the medical equipment provider. Keep their contact telephone numbers, and the numbers for other emergency services, posted near a phone. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working. Have fresh batteries installed. Perform monthly checks. Have a fire extinguisher available in the home as well ( Use type ABC ). Create and practice an escape and rescue plan in the event of a fire. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
SN instructed patient on spontaneous coronary artery dissection ( SCAD ) and stent placement. A stent is a small rod made out of metal or fabric. It is inserted into a coronary artery when there is a blockage or when the artery is narrow. A coronary artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the heart muscle. You received a stent due to coronary artery disease ( also called SCAD). That is caused by a thickening of the inside walls of the coronary arteries. This thickening is called atherosclerosis. A fatty substance called plaque builds up inside the thickened walls of the arteries, blocking or slowing the flow of blood. If your heart muscle doesn't get enough blood to work properly, you may have angina ( chest pain ) or a heart attack. The stent will help hold the artery open so blood can flow and help keep the artery from narrowing again. You will need to take medicine that keeps the stent open and blood flowing. It is very important to take the medicine exactly how your doctor tells you to take it. In addition to taking medicine, the best way to keep your heart healthy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking. Make sure you keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. Exercise as recommended by your doctor. Eat a heart - healthy diet. Patient verbalized understanding well.
SN instructed that urinary tract infection generally develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin multiplying. The most common urinary tract infections are cystitis, which affects the bladder, and urethritis, which affects the urethra. Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection that develop in the body. Symptoms of the infection include burning or pain during urination, an urge to urinate often, pressure in the lower belly, foul-smelling urine, back pain below the ribs, tiredness or shakiness, fever and urine that looks reddish or cloudy. A urinary tract infection is more likely to occur in women than men, and it affects people of all ages.
SN instructed that because of a woman's anatomy, all women are at risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Mayo Clinic notes that the short distance from the urethra to the anus and bladder opening causes this risk. The infection can also develop when bacteria from the GI tract spreads to the urethra from the anus. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause urinary tract infections. Anyone who suspects a urinary tract infection is present should seek medical attention, Doctors conduct a urine test to determine if a patient has the infection, and it is treated with antibiotics.
Sn instructed patient in walker safety. When you stand wait one minute before attempting to walk. Do not take a step until all 4 legs of the walker are level on the ground. Do not place the walker too far ahead of you. Keep the walker’s back legs even with your toes. Always look forward at your path, don’t look down at your feet. To get up from a seat, do not pull up on your walker. Push up from your seat. Do not lean forward over your walker. Work at keeping good posture. Be careful when you walk from a tile or hardwood floor to a carpeted floor. Do not use your walker on stairs or on an escalator. Check the rubber tips on the legs of your walker often. Replace the tips when they become worn. Patient verbalized understanding of teaching.
SN instructed that a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI refers to an infection affecting any component of the urinary system, i.e. the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. UTIs tend to be more common in women than men, with almost all females suffering from them at least once during the course of their lifetime. In uncomplicated cases, UTIs can be treated easily using antibiotics. In complicated cases, especially if the kidneys are affected, longer courses or medication may be required, depending upon the nature of complication. The following is a list of symptoms commonly associated with a Urinary Tract Infection. Anyone having these should get themselves checked for the same.
SN instructed that the most commonly experienced symptom across individuals with UTIs is a burning sensation during urination. The passage through which urine passes to be expelled from the body becomes tender due to the infection; when urine goes through it, the person experiences a painful sensation that mostly doesn’t last post urination. Since in a lot of cases UTIs are not present with signs, if a burning pain is felt during urination, the infection may be strong, and thus seeking treatment at the earliest is recommended.
SN instructed patient on ways of reducing nausea such as, get some fresh air, open a window and take a walk outside. Apply a cool compress to the forehead or back of the neck. Sit up for about an hour after eating to relieve any pressure on the stomach. Try alternative therapies like meditation and acupuncture. Eat smaller meals. Patient nods head in understanding.
SN instructed patient on the diabetes. Make wise food choices. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, and low - fat dairy products. Learn when to eat and how much to have.Be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days, such as taking a brisk walk as tolerated. Two times a week do activities to strengthen muscles and bone, such as lifting weights or sit - ups. Reach and stay at a healthy weight. Making wise food choices and being active can help you control your weight. Take your medicines as prescribed and keep taking them, even after you’ve reached your targets.