low blood pressure
General
SN instructed the reason it is important to help or use proper turning techniques to prevent friction and shearing of skin. Friction usually, but not always, accompanies shear. Friction is the force of rubbing two surfaces against one another. Shear is the result of gravity pushing down on the patient's body and the resistance between the patient and the chair or bed. When combined with gravity/force (pressure), friction causes shear, and the outcome can be more devastating than pressure alone.
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 patient t other S/S of cardiac complications requiring medical intervention such as: increased SOB, palpitations,
irregular heart beat, faintness, and weakness. Replace butter and margarine with
heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil. Other heart-healthy foods include walnuts, fatty fish like salmon and tuna,
whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, and lean meats. Ask your caregiver how much salt you can eat each day. Avoid salt substitutes.
Instructed patient Eat a heart-healthy diet Eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. A diet rich in fruits,
vegetables and whole grains can help protect your heart. Beans, other low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish
also can reduce your risk of heart disease. Stop your activity if you feel short of breath, dizzy, or have any pain in your chest. Do not do any activity
or exercise that causes pulling or pain across your chest, (such as using a rowing machine, twisting, or lifting weights.
SN instructed that keeping your regular cast dry is very important! There are no devices that are 100% effective in keeping any cast dry. Sponge baths are the safest way to keep the cast dry. If you have to take a bath or shower, please follow these instructions: place a towel or washcloth around the upper portion of the cast. Cover the entire cast with 2 plastic bags ( use two in case one has a leak, secure the bag at the top with tape or a rubber band, if the cast gets moist, dry the top or bottom of the cast using a blow dryer. Use only the cool or low setting, if the cast is soaked all the way through, it needs to be changed ( call doctor office )