falls-precautions
Procedures
Instructed patient on hip precautions after a hip replacement. Hip precautions are various maneuvers a patient who has undergone a hip replacement needs to avoid. Hip precautions include: Do not cross your legs, do not bend our legs up beyond 90 degrees, do not sit on sofas or in low chairs, do not sleep on your side.
The patient was instructed in cataract surgery need to wear an eye shield at night for 2 to 6 weeks to avoid eye injury, warn that depth perception may be lost and 50% of peripheral vision will be lost because of the eye patch. The patient was advised to avoid falls by turning the head fully to the affected side to view objects. The patient was taught to use up-and-down head movements to judge stairs and oncoming objects and to move slowly. The patient was recommended to wear dark glasses during the day to avoid pupil constriction and glare.
Instructed patient call your nurse right away if you have any of the following: Signs of infection at the catheter site (pain, redness, drainage, burning, or stinging) Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, a racing or irregular heartbeat. Call your nurse right away if you have any of the following: Muscle stiffness or trouble moving, gurgling noises coming from the catheter, the catheter falls out, breaks, cracks, leaks, or has other damage.
The patient was instructed in electrophysiology study cardiac mapping on care of the puncture site. The patient was advised that bruising of and around the insertion site is normal. The patient was instructed in the importance of not smoking or using tobacco products. The patient was taught how to take the pulse for a full minute. The patient was advised the importance of leading a normal, productive life. The patient was instructed to understand what precautions to take at work and at home. The patient was advised the need to identify a health care facility near home and work.
SN instructed patient about oxygen use precautions: Oxygen is a safe gas as long as it is used properly. Do not store your oxygen system near any heat sources or open flames. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in the same room as your oxygen system, sparks from a cigarette could cause facial burns. Post “No Smoking” signs in the room where your oxygen is kept.
Patient was instructed on strategies that can significantly help decrease the risk of a fall such as: Skid-proof mats or strips in the shower and bathtub, Removal of furniture that can slip away if grabbed accidentally for support, supportive non-slip footwear and not walking in stocking feet. Patient currently uses cane while ambulating and states that it helps her with her balance. Patient advised that side effects of most medications taking can cause dizziness and to report and dizziness so that it can be addressed by MD. Patient voiced understanding SN will continue to monitor.
RN performed supervision with HHA present and reviewed that the HHA Care Plan is followed as ordered. Patient is satisfied with rendered services. RN instructed patient and caregiver on strategies that can significantly help decrease the risk of a fall such as: skid - proof mats or strips in the shower and bathtub, removal of furniture that can slip away if grabbed accidentally for support, supportive non - slip footwear and not walking in stocking feet. RN also explained that side effects of most medications taking can cause dizziness and advised to immediately report the occurrence of dizziness so that it can be addressed by physician. Patient and caregiver voiced understanding of all instructions given.