heart healthy
Others
Instructed patient to get a flu shot each year and decrease the exposure to the flu. Avoiding the flu is especially important for people who have or are at risk for heart disease. This highly contagious infection causes symptoms similar to the common cold, only more severe, other symptoms include debilitating muscle or body aches, vomiting and diarrhea, and fever. Having a serious infection puts extra stress on your heart, which increases your heart's need for oxygen. Coughing and congestion can make breathing more difficult. As a result, your heart may not get sufficient oxygen. Patient verbalized understanding.
Patient was instructed on a healthy mouth. Poor oral mouth can make diabetes more difficult to control. Infections may cause the blood sugar to rise and require more insulin to keep it under control. In addition diabetes can diminish the ability to taste sweets influencing and changing food choices in favor of additional sweeter tasting foods, thereby affecting the dental health.
Patient was instructed on a healthy mouth. Tooth damage. An invisible film of bacteria, saliva and food particles (dental plaque) normally cover teeth. The bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in the foods and beverages consumed and produce acids that damage the hard enamel coating the teeth. Damage from this acid increases the risk of tooth decay (cavities).
Patient was instructed on skin care. Drinks lots of fluids, especially water to keep the skin moist and healthy. To prevent dry skin when the temperature drops, use a room humidifier to add moisture to heated, indoor air.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on service authorization, advance directives, rights and responsibilities, rights of the elderly and obtained necessary signatures. Instructed patient / caregiver on 24 hour nurse availability and provided / posted the agency telephone number. Also instructed that after hours, weekends and holidays an answering service will reach the nurse and he / she will return the patient / caregiver call and answer any questions or make a visit if needed. Patient and caregiver stated understanding. Patient and caregiver educated on diabetic diet, diabetic foot care, symptoms / signs ( s / s ) of depression, managing pain with medications, healthy skin, and pressure ulcer prevention. Leaflets left in home.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on preventing skin tears. In terms of prevention, protective arm sleeves are helpful. The use of paper or gentle release tapes is also a better alternative to nylon tape, when it comes to sensitive or aging skin. In addition, it is important to routinely moisturize dry skin with an appropriate moisturize barrier. As we age, hydrating dry skin helps to replenish missing skin and keep skin healthy and intact. Oral hydration is important as well. Patient and caregiver verbalize understanding instructions given.
SN provided teaching regarding hypokalemia. Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells. S/s include weakness, muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and constipation. SN instructed that patient should report any of these to her nurse promptly. Verbal understanding noted.
Patient was instructed on leg edema. The body needs the right amount of blood flow to keep the heart pumping, the legs moving and the brain functioning. Blood circulation, the movement of blood throughout the body, is clearly crucial to the existence, and poor leg circulation can cause many problems, such as leg edema or leg swelling.
Patient was instructed on what cause leg edema. It can be caused by a serious condition of the kidney, heart, liver or blood vessels, but many other factors can contribute to its onset, including: abusing drugs, sodium retention, varicose veins and history of phlebitis, allergic reactions, neuromuscular disorders, trauma.
Patient was instructed on relieving and preventing leg edema. The first line of defense is: leg elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart which puts minimal pressure on the back of the knees and thighs and lower back. Other help to decrease swelling is limiting salt intake, drink plenty of water, avoid sitting with the feet dependent. Do not abuse diuretics and laxatives.