pressure ulcer
General
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 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 instructed that at the first sign of a migraine, retreat from your usual activities if possible. Instructed on ways to help treat migraine headaches such as, turn off the lights. Migraines often increase sensitivity to light and sound. Relax in a dark, quiet room. Sleep if you can.Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. Ice packs have a numbing effect, which may dull the sensation of pain. Hot packs and heating pads can relax tense muscles; warm showers or baths may have a similar effect. Suggested him to massage painful areas. Apply gentle pressure to your scalp or temples. Alleviate muscle tension with a shoulder or neck massage.
SN instructed that self-care measures can help ease the pain of a migraine headache. Such as, muscle relaxation exercises. Relaxation may help ease the pain of a migraine headache. SN instructed that relaxation techniques may include progressive muscle relaxation, meditation or yoga. SN also instructed that it is best to get enough sleep, but don't oversleep. Get an adequate amount of sleep each night. It's best to go to bed and wake up at regular times, as well. SN instructed on the importance of being able to rest and relax. If possible, rest in a dark, quiet room when you feel a headache coming on. Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the back of your neck and apply gentle pressure to painful areas on your scalp.
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 patient on spontaneous coronary artery dissection ( SCAD ) and stent placement. A stent is a small rod made out of metal or fabric. It is inserted into a coronary artery when there is a blockage or when the artery is narrow. A coronary artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the heart muscle. You received a stent due to coronary artery disease ( also called SCAD). That is caused by a thickening of the inside walls of the coronary arteries. This thickening is called atherosclerosis. A fatty substance called plaque builds up inside the thickened walls of the arteries, blocking or slowing the flow of blood. If your heart muscle doesn't get enough blood to work properly, you may have angina ( chest pain ) or a heart attack. The stent will help hold the artery open so blood can flow and help keep the artery from narrowing again. You will need to take medicine that keeps the stent open and blood flowing. It is very important to take the medicine exactly how your doctor tells you to take it. In addition to taking medicine, the best way to keep your heart healthy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking. Make sure you keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. Exercise as recommended by your doctor. Eat a heart - healthy diet. Patient verbalized understanding well.
SN instructed that urinary tract infection generally develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin multiplying. The most common urinary tract infections are cystitis, which affects the bladder, and urethritis, which affects the urethra. Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection that develop in the body. Symptoms of the infection include burning or pain during urination, an urge to urinate often, pressure in the lower belly, foul-smelling urine, back pain below the ribs, tiredness or shakiness, fever and urine that looks reddish or cloudy. A urinary tract infection is more likely to occur in women than men, and it affects people of all ages.
SN instructed patient on ways of reducing nausea such as, get some fresh air, open a window and take a walk outside. Apply a cool compress to the forehead or back of the neck. Sit up for about an hour after eating to relieve any pressure on the stomach. Try alternative therapies like meditation and acupuncture. Eat smaller meals. Patient nods head in understanding.
SN instructed patient that the incentive spirometer is used to improve the function of their lungs, and for patient to breathe in from the device as slowly and as deeply as possible, then holds their breath for 2 – 6 seconds, which provides back pressure that pops open alveoli. Patient should do this ten times and repeat 2 to 3 times a day.
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.