diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
SN instructed the patient to keep oxygen away from any open flame to include smoking and also in-home pilot lights such as stove, furnace and water heater. Oxygen produced from concentrator and oxygen tanks is flammable. Call your company for a humidifier if causing nasal dryness or you may purchase lubricants made for oxygen use at your local pharmacy. Do not use Vaseline or petroleum based products as these can cause irritation and skin complications. Post no smoking / no Open Flame signs.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that exercise benefits people with diabetes and those at risk for diabetes by helping manage weight, by improving blood sugar levels, and by improving heart health. For a person with diabetes, exercise is just as important as diet and medication.
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.
Patient and caregiver educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Topiramat (Topamax). Topamax can induce extreme dry mouth and diarrhea. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with fluid supplementation. Topamax intake can induce some dizziness. Also, Topamax use can result in a side-effect of increased ammonia in the blood, which also contributes to increased nausea, confusion, and dizziness. Patient instructed to avoid activities where loss of consciousness (passing out) could result in serious danger to self or those around you (including swimming, driving a car, climbing in high places, etc.). Patient instructed to talk to his doctor before engaging in such activities.
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.
Patient recently discharge from acute hospital s/p intracranial hemorrhage and SN educated patient on s/s such as Weakness., Tingling, weakness, or paralysis (loss of movement) on one side of the body. Difficulty speaking, disorientation and confusion, loss of or change in vision, difficulty swallowing, change in level of consciousness (alertness) and advised patient and caregiver to contact medical professional if any noted.
SN educated patient and caregiver on Xarelto. Increased risk of bleeding. Xarelto can cause bleeding which can be serious, and may lead to death. This is because Xarelto is a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) that lowers blood clotting. During treatment with Xarelto you are likely to bruise more easily, and it may take longer for bleeding to stop. You may be at higher risk of bleeding if you take Xarelto and have certain other medical problems.
Instructed patient most people who become sick with COVID-19 will only experience mild illness and can recover at home. Symptoms might last a few days, and people who have the virus might feel better in about a week. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and includes rest, fluid intake and pain relievers.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis. It is very important for you to quit smoking to prevent chances of getting any or all of the diseases.
SN educated patient/caregiver on medication Trelegy inhaler. This inhaler combines 3 medicines in 1 inhaler, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medicine (fluticasone furoate), an anticholinergic medicine (umeclidinium), and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicine (vilanterol). ICS medicines such as fluticasone furoate help to decrease inflammation in the lungs. Anticholinergic medicines such as umeclidinium and LABA medicines such as vilanterol help the muscles around the airways in your lungs stay relaxed to prevent symptoms such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Common side effects include: thrush in your mouth and throat, (rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after use to help prevent this.) bronchitis, PNA, upper respiratory infection, painful urination, throat/mouth pain, cough, hoarseness.