smoking
General
SN instructed patient and caregiver that smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis. It is very important for you to quit smoking to prevent chances of getting any or all of the diseases.
SN instructed the patient to keep oxygen away from any open flame to include smoking and also in-home pilot lights such as stove, furnace and water heater. Oxygen produced from concentrator and oxygen tanks is flammable. Call your company for a humidifier if causing nasal dryness or you may purchase lubricants made for oxygen use at your local pharmacy. Do not use Vaseline or petroleum based products as these can cause irritation and skin complications. Post no smoking / no Open Flame signs.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Post signs in every room where oxygen is in use. Make sure that absolutely no smoking occurs in the home or in the car when oxygen is in use. Secure an oxygen cylinder to a solidly fixed object to avoid creating a missile out of the tank. This might happen if it was accidentally knocked over and gas was allowed to escape. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Be familiar with the equipment and the safety checks established by the medical equipment provider. Keep their contact telephone numbers, and the numbers for other emergency services, posted near a phone. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working. Have fresh batteries installed. Perform monthly checks. Have a fire extinguisher available in the home as well ( Use type ABC ). Create and practice an escape and rescue plan in the event of a fire. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
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 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.