low sodium diet
General
SN instructed that symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction immediately. Low blood sugar is more likely if you drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise or do not consume enough calories from food. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
Instructed patient Eat a heart-healthy diet Eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. A diet rich in fruits,
vegetables and whole grains can help protect your heart. Beans, other low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish
also can reduce your risk of heart disease. Stop your activity if you feel short of breath, dizzy, or have any pain in your chest. Do not do any activity
or exercise that causes pulling or pain across your chest, (such as using a rowing machine, twisting, or lifting weights.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on the home treatment to treating edema, or swelling due to excess fluid in the legs and ankles. Treatment may include elevating the feet above heart level, wearing compression stockings and exercising the legs. Reducing sodium in the diet, losing weight and avoiding tight clothing can also reduce swelling.
SN Instructed on measures to detect and alleviate edema: Gently compress the soft tissue with your thumb over both shins for a few minutes and observe for indentation. If indention is noted, edema is present. Notify SN or Md if there is a deep indention. Reduce sodium (Na) in diet and exercise as tolerated to help reduce edema.
Instructed patient what lifestyle choices can help me feel my best: Stay active. If you are not active, your symptoms are
likely to worsen quickly. Walking, and other types of physical activity help maintain your strength and improve your
mood. Physical activity also helps you manage your weight. Eat heart-healthy foods and limit sodium (salt An easy way to
do this is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer canned and processed foods.
SN instructed that is important to keep in mind that consistency is the key when regulating your Coumadin diet. Unless your doctor instructs you to, you should not try to omit all Vitamin K from your diet. Vitamin K foods are important to the overall health of your body by strengthening bones and improving the health of your arteries. Vitamin K is Coumadin's antidote so managing your intake is an important factor in staying therapeutic. Some foods that have high Vitamin K include: Cabbage, Broccoli, Spinach, Escarole, Turnip Greens, Lettuce, Brussels, Sprouts, Endive, Kale, Cauliflower, among others.
Instructed patient t other S/S of cardiac complications requiring medical intervention such as: increased SOB, palpitations,
irregular heart beat, faintness, and weakness. Replace butter and margarine with
heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil. Other heart-healthy foods include walnuts, fatty fish like salmon and tuna,
whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, and lean meats. Ask your caregiver how much salt you can eat each day. Avoid salt substitutes.
SN instructed that keeping your regular cast dry is very important! There are no devices that are 100% effective in keeping any cast dry. Sponge baths are the safest way to keep the cast dry. If you have to take a bath or shower, please follow these instructions: place a towel or washcloth around the upper portion of the cast. Cover the entire cast with 2 plastic bags ( use two in case one has a leak, secure the bag at the top with tape or a rubber band, if the cast gets moist, dry the top or bottom of the cast using a blow dryer. Use only the cool or low setting, if the cast is soaked all the way through, it needs to be changed ( call doctor office )
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.
SN educated patient on the importance of daily vital sign monitoring. Due to patients disease processes it is important to monitor blood pressure, weight, pulse and oxygen daily if equipment is available. SN instructed patient to weigh correctly they need to wake up, pee and than weigh daily at the same time if possible, same amount of clothing, same area. Patient is to weigh prior to eating/drinking in the morning. Notify home health or PCP if -/+ 3 lbs in a day or +/-5 lbs in a week is seen. SN educated patient to monitor blood pressure and pulse, and instructed to check before medications and if elevated/low recheck in 1-2 hours. SN educated patient to always log vitals so patients MD has a larger snap shot on what is going on.Patient/CG verbalized understanding