shortness of breath
Diseases Process
SN instructed patient that heart failure, also called Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), means your heart does not pump blood as well as it should. This does not mean your heart has stopped working, but that it is not as strong as it used to be and fluid builds up in the lungs and other parts of your body. This can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, feet, and stomach. Heart failure starts slowly and can get worse over time.
Patient was instructed on HTN and how it affects the heart and it's function. Over time HTN if uncontrolled can damage the vessels of the heart, leaving it unable to pump blood efficiently. This causes what is known as heart failure. Symptoms you may experience and should report to your MD are swelling in your feet or hands, crackles in your chest when breathing, increased shortness of breath.
SN instructed patient/ caregiver that Bradycardia can be a serious problem if the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. For some people, however, bradycardia doesn't cause symptoms or complications.SN explained that If you have bradycardia, your brain and other organs might not get enough oxygen, possibly causing these symptoms: Near-fainting or fainting (syncope) Dizziness or lightheadedness, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Chest pains, Confusion or memory problems, Easily tiring during physical activity.If you faint, have difficulty breathing or have chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, get emergency care or call 911 or your local emergency number.
Instructed patient caregiver Loss of appetite, drowsiness, and leg cramps may be signs of sodium loss. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath may be signs of potassium loss. Dehydration, low sodium, and low potassium can all be dangerous and should be treated right away. Call your doctor or 911 right away if you are dizzy, weak, or having other serious symptoms.
SN to assess cardiovascular status, identify any signs and symptoms of impaired cardiovascular function. SN to instruct patient on disease process, typical symptoms of an underlying cardiovascular issue include: pain or pressure in the chest, which may indicate angina, pain or discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness, cold sweats
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.
Instructed patient how can I prevent infections. Keep your mouth clean. Saliva and mucus contain germs that cause infection if they enter your airway. Brush your teeth twice a day. Suction your mouth as needed. Use a mouth wash twice a day or as directed. Take deep breaths and cough 10 times each hour. This will decrease your risk for a lung infection. Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can. Let the air out and then cough strongly. Deep breaths help open your airway. You may be given an incentive spirometer to help you take deep breaths. Put the plastic piece in your mouth and take a slow, deep breath, then let the air out and cough. Repeat these steps 10 times every hour.
Instructed in S/S of hyperglycemia, such as excessive urination, thirst, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or cramping, weak-tired feeling, drowsiness, deep-rapid breathing, or fruity breath. If these S/S occur client S/O instructed to notify MD.
Instructed patient to call MD if he notices having trouble breathing, chest hurts, breath smells fruity or lips or tongue are dry and cracked.
Instructed patient on S/S of hyperglycemia such as: excessive urination, thirst, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/cramps, weak-tired feeling, drowsiness, deep-rapid breathing, or fruity breath. If these S/S occur client S/O instructed to notify MD.