high blood pressure
General
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 / caregiver on proper incontinence care as to check every 2-3 hours if needed. Educated on pressure reduction measures as to change patient's position in bed/chair every 2-3 hours, avoid positioning on affected areas and use pressure reduction mattress or chair cushion.
SN to educate patient on CPAP machine as follows: CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. The machines help people with sleep apnea breathe more easily and regularly every night while they are sleeping. A CPAP machine increases the air pressure in your throat to prevent your airway from collapsing when you inhale. Patient admits that most nights he goes to bed with Cpap, but finds mask on floor after waking in AM. SN to advise patient of importance of wearing Cpap as follows: The CPAP breathing machine is used by people with chronic obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder which causes airways to close up during sleep. People with obstructive sleep apnea stop breathing while sleeping. When breathing stops the individual is suddenly jolted awake, gasping for air. Patient to deny any sleep issues lately. People with sleep apnea often do not remember these episodes, but instead experience chronic fatigue that they have no explanation for. Over time, sleep apnea can increase the risk of hypertension, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Patient verbalized understanding of teaching today. SN to continue to monitor.
Sn Instructed patient / caregiver on the importance in logging blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen and temperature daily to ensure medication treatment is working. Sn instructed on parameters and what to report to Physician / nurse ( MD / SN ). Instructed that it is important to know parameters and when to contact physician. Instructed this is a good practice to manage medical condition. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient about treatment of heart failure may include: controlling risk factors: quitting smoking losing weight and increasing moderate exercise restricting salt and fat from the diet avoiding alcohol proper rest controlling blood sugar if diabetic controlling blood pressure limiting fluids.
SN instructed that the blood glucose monitors or glucose meters are devices individuals with diabetes use to monitor their blood sugar levels daily. Glucose meters give readings within five seconds of applying the test strip to a blood sample. For accurate readings, it is important to calibrate the blood glucose meter. Calibrating a meter is making sure the meter has the correct code to match the test strip. Some meters code automatically. Others, you must code or calibrate manually.
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.
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 that PCP only receives one snapshot of vitals signs including BP, and stressed importance of maintaining BP log so that PCP may adjust as needed.