wound care
Diseases Process
SN instructed patient on ways to avoid acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) by recognizing early warning signs and then taking action to stop them in their tracks. The best way to do this is to work with your health care provider on an action plan so you know what to do to treat an exacerbation before it becomes serious. SN instructed on early warning signs of an acute exacerbation: Wheezing or more wheezing than what’s normal for you, coughing more than usual, shortness of breath that is worse than usual, an increase in the amount of mucus, change in the color of your mucus to yellow, green, tan, or bloody, shallow or rapid breathing, more than what’s normal for you, fever, confusion or excessive sleepiness, and swelling in your feet or ankles. Patient nods head in understanding. Sn will continue to monitor.
SN explained that the problems with the veins in the legs may lead to chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ). CVI means that there is a long-term problem with the veins not being able to pump blood back to your heart. When this happens, blood stays in the legs and causes swelling and aching. Two problems that may lead to chronic venous insufficiency are: Damaged valves. Valves keep blood flowing from the legs through the blood vessels and back to the heart. When the valves are damaged, blood does not flow as well. Deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ). Blood clots may form in the deep veins of the legs. This may cause pain, redness, and swelling in the legs. It may also block the flow of blood back to the heart. Seek immediate medical care if you have these symptoms. A blood clot in the leg can also break off and travel to the lungs. This is called pulmonary embolism ( PE ). In the lungs, the clot can cut off the flow of blood. This may cause chest pain, trouble breathing, sweating, a fast heartbeat, coughing (may cough up blood), and fainting. It is a medical emergency and may cause death. Call 911 if you have these symptoms. Healthcare providers call the two conditions,Deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) and pulmonary embolism ( PE ), venous thromboembolism ( VTE ).
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.
Spondylosis is a degeneration of the spinal column from any cause. The wear and tear of the spinal column is the most common cause of spondylosis. Treatment is usually conservative in nature. lifestyle modifications, chiropractic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and osteopathic care are help manage it.
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 instructed patient that having diabetes means you often need to make decisions about your care. The more you know about diabetes and how your daily activities affect your blood glucose levels, the easier it is to make wise decisions. Testing your blood glucose and keeping good track of your readings is essential to know how different activities, food, medication and stress levels affect your blood glucose readings.
SN taught patient that diabetes is a life-long disease. You will always have it, so education about your diabetes is very important. The more you learn about diabetes, the better you can control your blood glucose level and avoid complications. To learn how to manage your diabetes, work closely with your health care team.
Skilled nurse educated patient and caregiver on HTN disease process. HTN also known as high blood pressure is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. It is important to seek medical attention for uncontrolled HTN and develop a plan of care with your PCP. It is recommended to check your blood pressure and pulse daily before taking blood pressure medications and logging in a journal. If your blood pressure is elevated wait 1-2 hours and recheck. Contact your doctor or home health agency if problems with blood pressure continue . Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
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.
SN educated patient about Neutropenia. Neutropenia is an abnormally low count of neutrophils, which is a type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are made in the bone marrow, so anything that inhibits or disrupts that process can result in neutropenia. Instructed patient to prevent infection; Promote oral care, Promote hygiene, Prevent skin breakdown, Promote nutrition and ensure food is prepared and stored appropriately. Educated on signs and symptoms of infection; which include fever, Red, swollen, warm, or painful skin areas or wounds, An area of orange, bumpy skin with blisters, Cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing, Burning feeling while you urinate. Patient verbalized understanding.