SN instructed patient and caregiver that CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) is increasing again and every house hold members need to apply precautions not contact or spread infection. Wear your mask and use hand sanitizer. People that had vaccination can still contact it if not careful.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on preventing skin tears. In terms of prevention, protective arm sleeves are helpful. The use of paper or gentle release tapes is also a better alternative to nylon tape, when it comes to sensitive or aging skin. In addition, it is important to routinely moisturize dry skin with an appropriate moisturize barrier. As we age, hydrating dry skin helps to replenish missing skin and keep skin healthy and intact. Oral hydration is important as well. Patient and caregiver verbalize understanding instructions given.
SN instructed patient to stop smoking, instructed that around 3 days after quitting, most people will experience moodiness and irritability, severe headaches, and cravings as the body readjusts. In as little as 1 month, a person's lung function begins to improve. As the lungs heal and lung capacity improves, former smokers may notice less coughing and shortness of breath.
SN assessed patient 's home for adverse extreme temperatures. Today the patient home is adequately heated. Patient was instructed to call their city's local warming center as needed. Patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient you can do many things to help knee pain, whether it's due to a recent injury or arthritis you've had for years. Too much rest can weaken your muscles, which can worsen joint pain. Find an exercise program that is safe for your knee. Do exercise, don’t risk a fall. A painful or unstable knee can make a fall more likely, which can cause more knee damage. Curb your risk of falling by making sure your home is well lit, using handrails on staircases, and using a sturdy ladder or foot stool if you need to reach something from a high shelf.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that the key difference between a suspected deep tissue injury (sDTI) and an unstageable pressure ulcer is that sDTI involves intact skin, whereas an unstageable ulcer involves a breakdown into at least the subcutaneous tissue. An unstageable ulcer is covered with necrotic tissue, such as slough or eschar, formed from remnants of the collagen matrix of subcutaneous tissue. So it’s always a full-thickness ulcer either stage III or stage IV.
SN provided teaching regarding hypokalemia. Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells. S/s include weakness, muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and constipation. SN instructed that patient should report any of these to her nurse promptly. Verbal understanding noted.
Monitor circulation r/t compression dressing. Report if dressing is tight and constricting esp. in back of leg. Check color of feet and report if bluish or purple in color. Report any c/o numbness or tingling. Dressing should be removed immediately if any s/s occur. and notify doctor or nurse.
SN instructed about aspiration precautions. Consume honey thick liquids. Do not use a straw to drink fluid. Sit straight up when eating or drinking, have supervision with meals, do not eat alone. Sit up at least 1/2 hour after a meal.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on how to stop a nosebleed. Make a thumbs up with hand on same side as nose bleed. Press side of nose that is bleeding closed and tilt head slightly down to prevent blood from going down into throat. Stay still for 5-10 minutes then gently release. Refrain from blowing nose or putting a tissue in nose x 24 hours. If bleeding does not stop seek medical attention.