low blood pressure
Diseases Process
Instructed that medication Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure) by removing excess fluid and improving symptoms such as breathing problems. Instructed that common side effects include, Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or headache.
SN instructed patient about some things that he can do to help control your blood pressure , including: Eat a heart-healthy diet, including potassium ( bananas ) and fiber ( cereals,beans ) , drink plenty of water, exercise regularly : walking for a few minutes every day , limit the amount of sodium ( salt ) you eat ( avoid canned foods ), reduce stress by trying to avoid things that cause you stress.
RN instructed patient and caregiver on hypertensive urgency which is a situation where the blood pressure is severely elevated and may or may not experience one or more of these symptoms: Severe headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and severe anxiety, chest or back pain, numbness or weakness of extremities, change in vision and difficulty speaking and immediately ask for medical assistance calling 9-1-1. RN instructed patient and caregiver on no-added-salt or salt-controlled diet that can help control high blood pressure. Both patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
SN instructed that check the access for signs of infection or problems with blood flow before each hemodialysis treatment, even if the patient is inserting the needles. Keeping the access clean at all times. Using the access site only for dialysis. Being careful not to bump or cut the access. Checking the thrill in the access every day. The thrill is the rhythmic vibration a person can feel over the vascular access. Watching for and reporting signs of infection, including redness, tenderness, or pus. Not letting anyone put a blood pressure cuff on the access arm. Not wearing jewelry or tight clothes over the access site. Not sleeping with the access arm under the head or body. Not lifting heavy objects or putting pressure on the access arm.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that the stroke occurs when a clot or a torn blood vessel in the brain stops blood from reaching a part of the brain. Damage to that part of the brain from lack of blood and oxygen can cause various signs and symptoms of stroke, such as facial drooping, numbness and paralysis. Although anyone can have a stroke, your risk increases if you're male, over age 65, or have one of these conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes. Being overweight, smoking, abusing drugs or alcohol, and taking birth control pills increase risk, too. African - Americans, people who are Hispanic or Asian, and those with a close relative who's had a stroke are also at higher risk.
SN explain that Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can not pump the amount of blood the body needs. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It indicates that the heart can not pump blood the way it should. It can affect one or both sides of the heart the weakening of the pumping capacity of the heart causes: Accumulation of blood and fluid in the lungs Accumulation of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs called edema Tiredness and shortness of breath The most common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is most common in people over 65, African - Americans, overweight people, and people who have already had a heart attack. Men are at greater risk than women.
SN did head to toe assessment and vital signs monitoring done. Received patient sitting on the chair with elevated blood pressure. SN instructed patient on the disease process, and management of CHF. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Certain heart conditions gradually leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly. SN instructed patient to have a healthy lifestyle. Try to lose weight, exercise, use less salt and manage stress. SN will continue to assess and instruct the patient.
SN explain about congestive heart failure ( CHF ). As blood flow out of the heart slows, blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing fluid to build up in the tissues. The kidneys are less able to dispose of sodium and water, also causing fluid retention in the tissues. Fatigue, a tired feeling all the time and difficulty with everyday activities, such as shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking. The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the needs of body tissues. The body diverts blood away from less vital organs, particularly muscles in the limbs, and sends it to the heart and brain. Lack of appetite, nausea, a feeling of being full or sick to your stomach. The digestive system receives less blood, causing problems with digestion. Confusion, impaired thinking, memory loss and feelings of disorientation. A caregiver or relative may notice this first. Changing levels of certain substances in the blood, such as sodium, can cause confusion. If you have 2 or more of these symptoms you may need to seek medical attention.
Taught that low back pain and rectal pressure may constitute as signs/symptoms of constipation.
Patient was instructed on hypoglycemia. Insulin, glucagon and other hormone levels rise and fall to keep blood sugar in a normal range. Too little or too much of these hormones can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low (hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia).