bedbound-patient
Instructed patient that for healthy living with your LVAD, you’ll need to make sure that: the equipment is working properly,you have sufficient power sources at all times, your driveline exit site is clean and dry, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, as you’re able to tolerate it, are taking your medications and supplements as directed by your doctor. Understanding was verbalized.
Sn educated patient/caregiver that Micafungin is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus. Micafungin is used to treat infections caused by the Candida fungus. Micafungin is also used to prevent Candida fungal infections in stem cell transplant patients. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient that certain medications you might be taking, including Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium Tablets), also require special nutritional precautions. Your doctor or LVAD coordinator can provide you with detailed nutritional guidelines for your particular situation. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient that it is not uncommon to experience significant stress, anxiety or depression when receiving your LVAD or becoming a caregiver for an LVAD recipient. There have been a lot of changes in your body and your life recently. There are many different causes of mental health issues, many of which are not under your control. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it is not a bad thing to ask for help. There are many new medications and treatments available to help you feel better. Sometimes mental health issues are not recognized by the person who is affected. We have provided this tool to help you or a loved one identify when you may need to ask for help. Understanding was verbalized.
SN taught patient on sleeping with LVAD, and it was explained that many LVAD patients actually find that they’re able to sleep more comfortably with their LVAD than they did before because they’re feeling better and breathing more easily. There are, however, two major ways that having an LVAD affects your sleep routine: You may not be able to sleep on your stomach. Stomach sleeping can compress or pull on the driveline. Sleeping on your back is the best option, although some LVAD patients find it comfortable to sleep on their sides. You’ll also need to make sure that the driveline doesn’t get tangled in clothing or blankets. At first, sleeping with the LVAD may feel awkward, but most patients get used to it after a few days. Understanding was verbalized.
Patient was explained that having a nephrostomy tube in for a long time increases the risk of getting an infection. Nephrostomy tube care focuses on preventing infection. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.. understanding was verbalized
SN educated patient on finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia among others, is a medication used mainly to treat an enlarged prostate as it may improve the symptoms associated with BPH such as difficulty urinating, getting up during the night to urinate, hesitation at the start and end of urination, and decreased urinary flow. Understanding was verbalized.
SN instructed patient on ways to conserve energy due to muscle weakness dx such as small frequent meals, avoiding large meals/overeating, take frequent rest periods to prevent from becoming tired, exercise as often as you can without tiring yourself out, stretching and range of motion is good to help build strength and controlling stress.
Instructed patient that the most commonly reported side effects of Amlodipine (which is used to treat HTN) include: headache, edema, rash, fatigue, and dizziness. Check with MD or HH nurse if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: acid or sour stomach, belching, heartburn, indigestion, lack or loss of strength, muscle cramps, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, and stomach discomfort, upset, or pain.
Instructed patient on Prednisone which is used for allergy reactions, rheumatoid arthritis among other diseases. Side effects include: swelling in hands, face and feet, increased hunger, muscle weakness and abdominal distention. One interaction of Prednisone is it may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure.