heart healthy diet
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.
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.
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 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.
The best treatment for nerve pain, ultimately, is to manage your diabetes well. In fact, a major study by the American Diabetes Association in 2006 showed that strict blood glucose control with intensive insulin therapy lowered the chances of having symptoms of peripheral neuropathy - tingling, burning, and pain - by 64%. While you can't control whether or not you get diabetic nerve pain, you can help control your glucose levels with diet, exercise, and mediations if you need them.
Patient was instructed about how to get a balanced diet: choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages among the basic food groups, balance calories from foods and beverages with physical activity to manage body weight, choose fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often, eat 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables daily (for someone eating 2,000 calories) and other way to get the goals will be explained in next teaching. Further teaching is needed.
Instructed on the importance of following/adhering to a no concentrated sweets, low fat/sodium diet, as directed by MD.