edema
General
SN Instructed on measures to detect and alleviate edema: Gently compress the soft tissue with your thumb over both shins for a few minutes and observe for indentation. If indention is noted, edema is present. Notify SN or Md if there is a deep indention. Reduce sodium (Na) in diet and exercise as tolerated to help reduce edema.
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. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. Ask your doctor about exercises you can do that may reduce swelling. Patient verbalized understanding.
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. Compression, if one of your limbs is affected by edema, your doctor may recommend you wear compression stockings, sleeves or gloves, usually worn after your swelling has gone down, to prevent further swelling from occurring. These garments keep pressure on your limbs to prevent fluid from collecting in the tissue. Patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on measures to relieve legs edema : elevate legs above the level of your heart several times a day. In some cases, elevating legs while you sleep may be helpful; reduce salt intake, salt can increase fluid retention and worsen edema; moving and using the legs muscles, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart.
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 ways to help reduce Edema: to elevate lower extremities above the level of the heart approximately 8-12 inches for at least 30 minutes 3/4 times a day to improve circulation, promote venous drainage and reduce swelling.
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.
Instructed to elevate lower extremities whenever sitting or lying to promote venous return, thus decreasing/preventing edema.