bedbound-patient
SN instructed patient that fluid restrictions are usually necessary when dialysis is initiated, especially if dialysis only occurs three days a week and if urine production is decreased. Build up of fluid can lead to shortness of breath, swelling, and high blood pressure. There is a limit to the amount of fluid that can be safely removed during dialysis. If fluid limits are exceeded and extra water must be removed, negative effects such as muscle cramping, low blood pressure leading to nausea, weakness, dizziness, and possibly extra dialysis sessions to remove the fluid.
Sn instructed patient on pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing is one of the simplest ways to control shortness of breath. It provides a quick and easy way to slow your pace of breathing, making each breath more effective. What does pursed lip breathing do? Pursed lip breathing: Improves ventilation, releases trapped air in the lungs, keeps the airways open longer and decreases the work of breathing, prolongs exhalation to slow the breathing rate, improves breathing patterns by moving old air out of the lungs and allowing for new air to enter the lungs, relieves shortness of breath, causes general relaxation. When should I use this technique? Use this technique during the difficult part of any activity, such as bending, lifting or stair climbing. Practice this technique 4 - 5 times a day at first so you can get the correct breathing pattern. Pursed lip breathing technique: Relax your neck and shoulder muscles, breathe in ( inhale ) slowly through your nose for two counts, keeping your mouth closed. Don't take a deep breath; a normal breath will do. It may help to count to yourself: inhale, one, two. Pucker or "purse" your lips as if you were going to whistle or gently flicker the flame of a candle. Breathe out ( exhale ) slowly and gently through your pursed lips while counting to four. It may help to count to yourself: exhale, one, two, three, four.
SN explain that the dehydration is a major risk for patients with an ileostomy. The recommended daily fluid intake is 8 to 10 eight - ounce drinks. The patient should include electrolyte - enhanced drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Oxygen canisters should be kept at least 5 - 10 feet away from gas stoves, lighted fireplaces, wood stoves, candles or other sources of open flames. Do not use electric razors while using oxygen ( These are a possible source of sparks ). Do not use oil, grease or petroleum - based products on the equipment. Do not use it near you while you use oxygen. These materials are highly flammable and will burn readily with the presence of oxygen. Avoid petroleum - based lotions or creams, like Vaseline, on your face or upper chest. Check the ingredients of such products before purchase. If a skin moisturizer is needed, consider using cocoa butter, aloe vera or other similar products. For lubrication or rehydration of dry nasal passages, use water - based products. Your pharmacist or care provider can suggest these.
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 / caregiver that bumetanide ( trade names Bumex or Burinex ) is a loop diuretic to treat heart failure. It is often used in people in whom high doses of furosemide are ineffective. Instructed that is used to reduce extra fluid in the body ( edema ) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. Bumetanide is a “ water pill ” ( diuretic ) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. Dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly, If this effect persists or worsens. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. It may cause a serious loss of body water ( dehydration ) and salt / minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects such as: muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth / thirst, nausea, vomiting, fast / irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine.
SN instructed patient on wound care. Keep a clean dressing on your wound, dressings keep out germs and protect the wound from injury. They also help absorb fluid that drains from the wound and could damage the skin around it. Try to drink six to eight cups of water daily. Hydration is essential for healthy skin.
Patient was instructed to create a meal schedule that she can follow, because she may just be forgetting to eat. The physiological drive to eat decreases with age, so she may not experience the same physical signals of hunger as she did at a younger age. Set and stick to specific meal times to help improve her eating habits. Encourage her to eat at the same times each day to create regularity.
SN instructed that because of a woman's anatomy, all women are at risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Mayo Clinic notes that the short distance from the urethra to the anus and bladder opening causes this risk. The infection can also develop when bacteria from the GI tract spreads to the urethra from the anus. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause urinary tract infections. Anyone who suspects a urinary tract infection is present should seek medical attention, Doctors conduct a urine test to determine if a patient has the infection, and it is treated with antibiotics.
SN instructed patient that Bactrim DS is an antibiotic used to treat Urinary tract Infection ( UTI ). Instructed to use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Instructed the most common side effects have included nausea, vomiting, anorexia, rash, and urticaria. Instructed to notify physician ( MD ) of any side effects.