heart healthy diet
Leg edema
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 patient and caregiver on measures to relieve legs edema : elevate legs above the level of your heart several times a day. In some cases, elevating legs while you sleep may be helpful; reduce salt intake, salt can increase fluid retention and worsen edema; moving and using the legs muscles, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart.
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.
Patient was instructed on leg edema. The body needs the right amount of blood flow to keep the heart pumping, the legs moving and the brain functioning. Blood circulation, the movement of blood throughout the body, is clearly crucial to the existence, and poor leg circulation can cause many problems, such as leg edema or leg swelling.
Patient was instructed on what cause leg edema. It can be caused by a serious condition of the kidney, heart, liver or blood vessels, but many other factors can contribute to its onset, including: abusing drugs, sodium retention, varicose veins and history of phlebitis, allergic reactions, neuromuscular disorders, trauma.
Patient was instructed on relieving and preventing leg edema. The first line of defense is: leg elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart which puts minimal pressure on the back of the knees and thighs and lower back. Other help to decrease swelling is limiting salt intake, drink plenty of water, avoid sitting with the feet dependent. Do not abuse diuretics and laxatives.
SN instructed on ways to help reduce Edema: to elevate lower extremities above the level of the heart approximately 8-12 inches for at least 30 minutes 3/4 times a day to improve circulation, promote venous drainage and reduce swelling.
Instructed patient in lifestyle and home remedies that may help decrease edema and keep it from coming back. Before trying any self-care techniques, talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. Ask your doctor about exercises you can do that may reduce swelling. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient in lifestyle and home remedies that may help decrease edema and keep it from coming back. Before trying any self-care techniques, talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you. Massage or stroking the affected area toward your heart using firm, but not painful, pressure may help move the excess fluid out of that area. Patient verbalized understanding.