bedbound-patient
General
SN instructed patient and caregiver on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) virus that causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, pneumonia. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
SN instructed the patient on good diabetic foot care and assessment as follows: using a handheld mirror if needed assess feet daily to include in between toes. Never cut toenails or file down calluses. Only a podiatrist should do this. Report any blisters, cracks, wounds or any other concerns to your podiatrist immediately. Wash and lotion feet very well daily. Do not lotion between toes as this may cause maceration and cause skin breakdown. Recommended wearing diabetic socks. Always wear good fitting shoes. Preferably tailor-made for the patient. Never walk around barefoot.
SN instructed patient and caregiver about how to implement fall prevention program. Check the lighting in your apartment, consider installing a grab bar, replace scatter rugs with rubber backed rugs, make sure the light near the bed is easy to reach, move the phone within arm’s reach of your bed, easy access to the things you use the most. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
SN suggested patient to have nails, calluses and corns trimmed by podiatrist because those with diabetes have poor circulation. A good blood circulation is known to aid your body in all healing processes, so when it becomes sluggish, it takes longer for any injuries to on feet to heal.
Instructed patient a clean, dry work area should be identified to complete medication preparations and perform dressing changes.
Patient was given teaching on good body mechanics to avoid injury such as: keep your back straight as you walk and also when lifting making sure to never bend at the waist. If sitting put a pillow or rolled towel to support your lower back.
SN instructed patient in energy conservation techniques that are ways to modify activities to prevent exhaustion, also explain that using these strategies to do the things you have to do may help you to have energy left over to do the things you want to do.
SN instructed patient that people with heart and/or lung failure can benefit from energy conservation techniques like pace activities and spread them throughout the day/week, plan the day in advance so that you won’t feel rushed, break up tasks into small steps and rest in between, sit down instead of standing for most any activity, and work with arms below the shoulders as overhead activities are more taxing.
SN instructed patient and/or caregiver on importance to follow medication regimen exactly as ordered by Md without skipping any doses, nor sharing with others.
SN instructed patient about cast care: keep the cast clean and avoid getting dirt or sand inside the cast. Do not apply powder or lotion on or near the cast. Cover the cast when eating, do not place anything inside the cast, even for itchy areas. Sticking items inside the cast can injure the skin and lead to infection. Using a hair dryer on the cool setting may help soothe itching, do not pull the padding out from inside your cast.