skin
Diseases Process
Caregiver A.L.F's staff was instructed in Hypothyroidism disease; on how symptoms differ among individuals, depending on the severity of the case: sensitivity to cold temperature, dry skin, constipation, forgetfulness, chronic fatigue, decreased heart rate, depression, hair loss, weight gain, muscle stiffness and cramping, lack of facial expression, enlarged tongue.
Instructed patient about the signs and symptoms to call 9-1-1 with regard to diagnosis Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), or congestive heart failure, that may point to the condition being worsened and needing immediate medical attention by 9-1-1, call MD to report to MD: crackling noise that can be audibly heard as patient exhales, pink, frothy sputum that patient coughs out, patient has markedly increased shortness of breath that is not relieved even after 15 minutes of rest, may also be non-productive but incessant cough that includes crackling sound, rapid heart rate that may last more than 30 minutes (with or without dizziness), weight gain of more than 2-3 pounds in one day, or 5-7 pounds in seven days, lower extremity swelling which may or may not include fluid seeping through the skin. With regard to increased/increasing shortness of breath that is not relieved, however, told PCG and patient to remain calm and call 9-1-1 and not wait/call MD as it needs to be taken care of right away, because the patient needs oxygen in the body immediately - a medical emergency.
Patient and caregiver instructed that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
Instructed patient Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) can cause contents of the intestines or stomach to leak through a wound or opening in the skin. It also can cause: Dehydration, Diarrhea, and Malnutrition. Adequate protein and calories must be provided to maximize healing and minimize complications.
Instructed patient classic barriers to spontaneous closure include distal obstruction, mucocutaneous continuity (ie, a short or epithelialized tract), and infection or malignancy in the tract. Comprehensive and effective management of the patient with fistula requires attention to fluid and electrolyte replacement, per fistula, skin, protection, infection control.
Instructed patient through the use of negative pressure wound therapy, a standard surgical drain, and optimized nutrition, fistula drainage was redirected and the abdominal wound healed, leaving a drain controlled enterocutaneous fistula. Patient control of fistula drainage and protection of surrounding tissue and skin is a principle of early fistula management.
Instructed patient you may need to detach the drainage bag from the nephrostomy tube to clean it. If so, attach a new drainage bag tightly to the nephrostomy tube. Instructed patient change bandages, skin barriers, and attachment devices as directed. This helps to prevent infection. Throw away or clean your drainage bag as directed by your caregiver.
Instructed patient drink 2 to 3 liters of liquid each day unless you were told to limit liquids because of another condition. Instructed patient when should I seek immediate care or call 911? The nephrostomy tube comes out completely. There is blood, pus, or a bad smell coming from the place where the tube enters your skin. Urine is leaking around the tube 10 days after the tube was placed.
Instructed patient when should you contact your caregiver?, The skin around the nephrostomy tube is red, swollen, itches, or has a rash, you have a fever, you have lower back or hip pain, There are changes in how your urine looks or smells, a large amount of urine is draining into the drainage bag over a short period of time.
Instructed patient on signs and symptoms that indicate a need for suctioning include: Seeing mucus in the opening of the trach tube or hearing mucus in the airway Increased respiratory rate or effort Retractions (which is seen when the skin between the ribs pulls in while breathing.