bedbound-patient
SN instructed patient / caregiver on medication Flomax. SN explained that Flomax is indicated for urinary retention such as the case in people who have prostate enlargement. SN explained that side effects of Flomax includes arthralgia, dizziness, flushing, headache, nausea and vomiting. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistent urinary retention and if experiencing the side effects of this medication persistently.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about the medication Isosorbide. SN explained that Isosorbide is a medication given to reduce the blood pressure and that it also reduces the heart rate. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes fatigue, anxiety, weakness, dizziness, tachycardia, pulmonary edema, constipation and dry mouth. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence of side effects or if experiencing blurred vision, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, light - headedness, confusion, depression or dry mouth.
SN instructed patient / caregiver instructed on medication Ketorolac. SN explained that Ketorolac is a non - opioid anti - inflammatory drug that works to decrease pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and producing peripherally mediated analgesia. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes drowsiness, gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhea, dry mouth and constipation. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence of side effects or if rash, itching, weight gain, edema, black stools, headache, or chills fever or muscle pain develops.
SN instructed patient about respiratory infection to drink plenty of fluids ( fever, which may be related to the flu, can cause dehydration ). It is important to maintain hydration. Take acetaminophen ( but do not take aspirin unless your doctor tells ). SN instructed patient to get a flu shot each year and decrease the exposure to the flu.
Patient / caregiver were instructed on important measures during transfers to wheelchair: Stand as close to the user as possible. Be sure footing is as stable as possible. Proper shoes is also recommended as sandals or flats do not provide support for a safe wheelchair transfer . Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding of instruction given.
Physical assessment done to patient after chemotherapy . Medication checked and reconciled. Hydration and nutritional status checked. Diet reviewed. Denies chest pain. Tube care done per physician ( MD ) order. Dressing changed. Still complained in pain in fingers, patient taught that one side effect of chemotherapy is pain in fingers which is called peripheral neuropathy, it results from some type of damage to the peripheral nerves. Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause peripheral neuropathy such as Vinca alkaloids ( vincristine ), cisplatin, Paclitaxel, and the podophyllotoxins ( etoposide and tenoposide) . Other drugs used to treat cancer such as thalidomide and interferon also can cause peripheral neuropathy.
SN instructed patient on hallucinations, you must use diversion tactics when hallucinations start, try telling yourself they are not real especially when they are scary, use music or television for distraction when auditory hallucinations start, continue to take medication as ordered, call a friend or family member for support when needed. Patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient on wound care. The patient should be sure to have a well-balanced diet. This include protein, vitamins and iron. Note: using a blender or chopping food does not change the nutritional value of the food.
SN instructed patient on spontaneous coronary artery dissection ( SCAD ) and stent placement. A stent is a small rod made out of metal or fabric. It is inserted into a coronary artery when there is a blockage or when the artery is narrow. A coronary artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the heart muscle. You received a stent due to coronary artery disease ( also called SCAD). That is caused by a thickening of the inside walls of the coronary arteries. This thickening is called atherosclerosis. A fatty substance called plaque builds up inside the thickened walls of the arteries, blocking or slowing the flow of blood. If your heart muscle doesn't get enough blood to work properly, you may have angina ( chest pain ) or a heart attack. The stent will help hold the artery open so blood can flow and help keep the artery from narrowing again. You will need to take medicine that keeps the stent open and blood flowing. It is very important to take the medicine exactly how your doctor tells you to take it. In addition to taking medicine, the best way to keep your heart healthy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking. Make sure you keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. Exercise as recommended by your doctor. Eat a heart - healthy diet. Patient verbalized understanding well.
Sn instructed patient in walker safety. When you stand wait one minute before attempting to walk. Do not take a step until all 4 legs of the walker are level on the ground. Do not place the walker too far ahead of you. Keep the walker’s back legs even with your toes. Always look forward at your path, don’t look down at your feet. To get up from a seat, do not pull up on your walker. Push up from your seat. Do not lean forward over your walker. Work at keeping good posture. Be careful when you walk from a tile or hardwood floor to a carpeted floor. Do not use your walker on stairs or on an escalator. Check the rubber tips on the legs of your walker often. Replace the tips when they become worn. Patient verbalized understanding of teaching.