patient-unable
Diseases Process
Instructed patient Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Pain or burning in your shoulder, chest, back, arm, or leg Fever of 100.4 F (38.0 C) or higher Chills Signs of infection at the catheter site (pain, redness, drainage, burning, or stinging)
Tracheostomy care Instructed patient caregiver Signs and symptoms of difficulty breathing are: Retractions Pulling of the skin between the ribs, under the breastbone or around the trach itself. Also symptoms of difficulty breathing are: Sweaty and pale skin, a person is sweaty and pale and seems to be working hard to breathe while at rest, dusky lips or nail beds. The lips or nail beds look dark, dusky or blue.
Instructed patient it’s important to routinely clean catheters to prevent infections. Wash your hands well before and after you handle your catheter. Clean the skin around the catheter twice a day using soap and water.
Instructed patient when to call the doctor the stoma is swollen and is more than a 1/2 inch (1 cm) larger than normal. The stoma is pulling in, below the skin level. The stoma is bleeding more than normal.
SN instructed caregivers/patient on hyponatremia, which means your blood level of sodium (salt) is too low. Salt is needed for the body and brain to work. Very low blood levels of sodium can be fatal. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, fatigue, muscle cramps, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. To help prevent hyponatremia, take all medicines exactly as directed. Certain medicines can lower blood sodium levels. Have your sodium levels checked often. This is vital if you take a diuretic (medicine that helps your body get rid of water). Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Severe tiredness, Fainting, Dizziness, Loss of appetite, Nausea or vomiting, Confusion or forgetfulness, Muscle spasms, cramping, twitching Seizures, or Gait disturbances. Caregiver voiced understanding.
Patient instructed on the importance of alternating insulin injection sites, reviewed alternative injection sites. Instructed injecting into the same spot can cause lipohypertrophy, the buildup of fat under the skin, which can slow the absorption of insulin, or lipoatrophy, the wasting of fat under the skin, which can be unsightly.
SN instructed patient / Caregiver that clients with kidney disease should engage in activities that will improve their overall health. For example, exercise has been known to improve overall health, mental outlook, and control blood sugar. SN suggested that a good option would be to start a simple exercise program.
SN to instruct patient Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: you have new or worse symptoms of a kidney infection. These may include: pain or burning when you urinate, a frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine, pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back, blood in the urine.
SN to instruct patient change the bandage around the tube, the bolsters, skin barriers, and tube attachments at least every 7 days. If your bandages, barriers, or devices get dirty or wet, change them right away, and as often as needed.
SN to instruct patient Keep the site covered when you shower. Tape a piece of clear adhesive plastic over the dressing to keep it dry while you shower. Do not take tub baths.