blood sugar
General
SN instructed that the joint that is damaged by injury or disease can be removed and replaced with a new one. There are times when only a part of the joint needs to be replaced or repaired. Your healthcare provider may try other treatments before joint replacement surgery, such as steroid injections or medicines. Pain relief and increased function are the goals of joint replacement. Knee, hip, and shoulder joints are the most common joints replaced. Joints in your elbows, fingers, and ankles can also be repaired or replaced. Your risk of infection, bleeding, and blood clots increase with surgery. You may be allergic to the material used in your new joint. Nerves, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels near your joint may become damaged during surgery. The new joint may loosen or come out of the socket. Sn instructed patient on symptoms / signs ( S/S ) of infection such as fever, drainage, swelling, redness. Patient recalls back partial teaching of redness. Patient instructed to report any symptoms should they occur to physician / nurse ( MD / SN ).
SN educated patient on the importance of daily vital sign monitoring. Due to patients disease processes it is important to monitor blood pressure, weight, pulse and oxygen daily if equipment is available. SN instructed patient to weigh correctly they need to wake up, pee and than weigh daily at the same time if possible, same amount of clothing, same area. Patient is to weigh prior to eating/drinking in the morning. Notify home health or PCP if -/+ 3 lbs in a day or +/-5 lbs in a week is seen. SN educated patient to monitor blood pressure and pulse, and instructed to check before medications and if elevated/low recheck in 1-2 hours. SN educated patient to always log vitals so patients MD has a larger snap shot on what is going on.Patient/CG verbalized understanding
SN instructed on intermittent claudication which is a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Intermittent claudication causes pain in your calves when walking, Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. There are two main ways to treat claudication: medication and a surgical treatment, called revascularization. Medication therapies are often used initially as they are non-invasive. Compression therapy can also be used as a noninvasive way to treat symptoms of claudication. Intermittent calf compression has been shown in studies to improve symptoms-free walking distance.
SN taught patient rise slowly and pause prior to ambulation to ensure proper blood pressure adjustment. Pump ankle 5-10x to reduce risk of blood pressure drop after rising from seating position. Make sure you feel your seat on the back of your legs prior to sitting. Use appropriate assistive device to ambulate. Take extra precaution while turning, around rugs/mats and avoid walking backwards.
SN suggested patient to have nails, calluses and corns trimmed by podiatrist because those with diabetes have poor circulation. A good blood circulation is known to aid your body in all healing processes, so when it becomes sluggish, it takes longer for any injuries to on feet to heal.
Instructed caregiver reducing additional risk factors, such as , high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose, are important in prevention and treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer. Wearing the appropriate shoes and socks will go a long way in reducing risks. the patient podiatrist can provide guidance in selecting the proper shoes.
Instructed patient watch for these problems: a hole in the skin where the IV is -- medicine or fluid can go into the tissue around the vein. This could harm the skin or tissue.Swelling of the vein -- this can lead to a blood clot (called thrombophlebitis).
SN instructed that symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection or bladder infection may include: Frequent need to urinate, burning sensation while urinating pressure in the lower abdomen, pain in the lower back blood in urine. Symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection or a kidney infection may include: Fever, chills, nausea and / or vomiting, Pain higher in the back ( around the upper sides and waist ). In women, the symptoms of a urinary tract infection are similar to those caused by some vaginal infections.
Sn instructed on monitoring vital signs blood pressure, temperature, oxygen and weight instructed on what equipment is needed and SN will instruct on equipment logging and reporting of vital signs. Sn instructed on importance in logging vital signs and monitoring if medication is working or change of condition. Sn will instruct patient after vitals are done on what to report to physician / nurse ( MD / SN ). Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient as much as possible, use the arm with the PICC in it for normal daily activities. Lack of movement can lead to blood clots. So it's important to move your arm as you normally would. Your healthcare team may suggest light arm exercises. Avoid activities or exercises that require major use of your arm, such as sports, unless your healthcare provider says it's OK.