back-pain
General
SN instructed that infrequent passage of hard, dry stool, low back pain, abdominal fullness and/or abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, and rectal pressure may constitute as signs/symptoms of constipation. Patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient on non pharmacological pain management like massage, a lot of people find relief from gentle massage. Several studies have found that massage is effective in relieving pain and other symptoms for people with serious illness. Relaxation techniques like guided imagery, breathing techniques, and gentle movement like rom exercises. Relaxation techniques are often very effective, particularly when a patient / caregiver is feeling anxious. Physical therapy if a person has been active before and is now confined to bed, even just moving the hands and feet a little bit can help. Pet therapy if you have bouts of pain that last 5, 10, or 15 minutes, trying to find something pleasant like petting an animal soft fur to distract and relax yourself can be helpful. Gel packs, these are simple packs that can be warmed or chilled and used to ease localized pain.
Sn instructed patient in walker safety. When you stand wait one minute before attempting to walk. Do not take a step until all 4 legs of the walker are level on the ground. Do not place the walker too far ahead of you. Keep the walker’s back legs even with your toes. Always look forward at your path, don’t look down at your feet. To get up from a seat, do not pull up on your walker. Push up from your seat. Do not lean forward over your walker. Work at keeping good posture. Be careful when you walk from a tile or hardwood floor to a carpeted floor. Do not use your walker on stairs or on an escalator. Check the rubber tips on the legs of your walker often. Replace the tips when they become worn. Patient verbalized understanding of teaching.
SN instructed patient on ways of reducing nausea such as, get some fresh air, open a window and take a walk outside. Apply a cool compress to the forehead or back of the neck. Sit up for about an hour after eating to relieve any pressure on the stomach. Try alternative therapies like meditation and acupuncture. Eat smaller meals. Patient nods head in understanding.
SN instructed patient that the incentive spirometer is used to improve the function of their lungs, and for patient to breathe in from the device as slowly and as deeply as possible, then holds their breath for 2 – 6 seconds, which provides back pressure that pops open alveoli. Patient should do this ten times and repeat 2 to 3 times a day.
Sn instructed patient on ways to prevent Urinary tract infection ( UTI ). If the patient is elderly be careful with cleaning, be sure that the perineal area is being cleansed properly. Women should always wipe themselves from the front to the back. If you are tending to perineal care, take steps to ensure that you always wipe your starting in front of the urethra and wiping towards the anus. Before wiping the area again, fold the rag to a clean section. The idea is that residue from the anus should never be dragged toward or against the urethra. Patients that wear adult diapers, or briefs, should be changed on a regular basis. They should be checked every two hours or so and they should never be allowed to sit in dirty briefs for prolonged periods. You should also wiped and cleansed after every brief change and bowel movement. Douches should never be used. The right drinks - what you drink can make a difference. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can irritate the bladder and should be avoided as much as possible. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
UTI Instructed patient you can take these steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections:rink cranberry juice, Wipe from front to back, change diaper frequently.
SN instructed patient and caregiver to monitor circulation r/t Unna boots. Report if dressing is tight and constricting esp. in back of leg. Check color of feet and report if bluish or purple in color. Report any c/o numbness or tingling. Dressing should be removed immediately if any s/s occur. and notify physician or nurse.
Instructed caregiver you can take these steps to reduce patient's risks of urinary tract infections: wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a patient's bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra. Caregiver verbalized.
Instructed patient in lifestyle and home remedies that may help decrease edema and keep it from coming back. Before trying any self-care techniques, talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you. Massage or stroking the affected area toward your heart using firm, but not painful, pressure may help move the excess fluid out of that area. Patient verbalized understanding.