bedbound-patient
General
Sn instructed patient on ways to promote sleep. Such as avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol too close to bedtime. Stay away from large meals close to bedtime. Also dietary changes can cause sleep problems, if someone is struggling with a sleep problem, it's not a good time to start experimenting with spicy dishes. And, remember, chocolate has caffeine. Establish a regular relaxing bedtime routine. Try to avoid emotionally upsetting conversations and activities before trying to go to sleep. Don't dwell on, or bring your problems to bed. Associate your bed with sleep. It's not a good idea to use your bed to watch TV, listen to the radio, or read.
SN teaching patient / caregiver on measures to prevent pressure ulcers, such as: Clean skin at times of soiling, avoid irritating cleaning agents, use moisturizers on dry skin, do not message bony prominences, keep skin clean and dry, and comply with proper lifting and positioning techniques.
Sn instructed patient on pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing is one of the simplest ways to control shortness of breath. It provides a quick and easy way to slow your pace of breathing, making each breath more effective. What does pursed lip breathing do? Pursed lip breathing: Improves ventilation, releases trapped air in the lungs, keeps the airways open longer and decreases the work of breathing, prolongs exhalation to slow the breathing rate, improves breathing patterns by moving old air out of the lungs and allowing for new air to enter the lungs, relieves shortness of breath, causes general relaxation. When should I use this technique? Use this technique during the difficult part of any activity, such as bending, lifting or stair climbing. Practice this technique 4 - 5 times a day at first so you can get the correct breathing pattern. Pursed lip breathing technique: Relax your neck and shoulder muscles, breathe in ( inhale ) slowly through your nose for two counts, keeping your mouth closed. Don't take a deep breath; a normal breath will do. It may help to count to yourself: inhale, one, two. Pucker or "purse" your lips as if you were going to whistle or gently flicker the flame of a candle. Breathe out ( exhale ) slowly and gently through your pursed lips while counting to four. It may help to count to yourself: exhale, one, two, three, four.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Oxygen canisters should be kept at least 5 - 10 feet away from gas stoves, lighted fireplaces, wood stoves, candles or other sources of open flames. Do not use electric razors while using oxygen ( These are a possible source of sparks ). Do not use oil, grease or petroleum - based products on the equipment. Do not use it near you while you use oxygen. These materials are highly flammable and will burn readily with the presence of oxygen. Avoid petroleum - based lotions or creams, like Vaseline, on your face or upper chest. Check the ingredients of such products before purchase. If a skin moisturizer is needed, consider using cocoa butter, aloe vera or other similar products. For lubrication or rehydration of dry nasal passages, use water - based products. Your pharmacist or care provider can suggest these.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Post signs in every room where oxygen is in use. Make sure that absolutely no smoking occurs in the home or in the car when oxygen is in use. Secure an oxygen cylinder to a solidly fixed object to avoid creating a missile out of the tank. This might happen if it was accidentally knocked over and gas was allowed to escape. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Be familiar with the equipment and the safety checks established by the medical equipment provider. Keep their contact telephone numbers, and the numbers for other emergency services, posted near a phone. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working. Have fresh batteries installed. Perform monthly checks. Have a fire extinguisher available in the home as well ( Use type ABC ). Create and practice an escape and rescue plan in the event of a fire. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
SN instructed that because of a woman's anatomy, all women are at risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Mayo Clinic notes that the short distance from the urethra to the anus and bladder opening causes this risk. The infection can also develop when bacteria from the GI tract spreads to the urethra from the anus. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause urinary tract infections. Anyone who suspects a urinary tract infection is present should seek medical attention, Doctors conduct a urine test to determine if a patient has the infection, and it is treated with antibiotics.
SN instructed patient on the diabetes. Make wise food choices. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, and low - fat dairy products. Learn when to eat and how much to have.Be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days, such as taking a brisk walk as tolerated. Two times a week do activities to strengthen muscles and bone, such as lifting weights or sit - ups. Reach and stay at a healthy weight. Making wise food choices and being active can help you control your weight. Take your medicines as prescribed and keep taking them, even after you’ve reached your targets.
SN instructed patient that High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than it needed to before. Over the space of many years, this extra effort can lead to the heart muscle becoming thicker and less effective at pushing the blood round. This allows fluid to build up in your lower legs and ankles, which causes them to swell up.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on the home treatment to treating edema, or swelling due to excess fluid in the legs and ankles. Treatment may include elevating the feet above heart level, wearing compression stockings and exercising the legs. Reducing sodium in the diet, losing weight and avoiding tight clothing can also reduce swelling.
Sn Instructed on importance in logging blood pressure daily to ensure medication treatment is working and to manage medical condition. Instruction to log at about the same time daily. Instructions on parameters and when to call physician / nurse. Instruction given to take log to physician's apt to show physician ( MD ) his blood pressure readings. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding