bedbound-patient
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Zofran - ondansetron. This medication blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Serious side effects include blurred vision or temporary vision loss ( lasting from only a few minutes to several hours ), slow heart rate, trouble breathing, anxiety, agitation, shivering, feeling like you might pass out, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Stop taking Zofran and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects. Ondansetron may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Zofran side effects get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zofran: rash, hives, fever, chills, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe constipation, stomach pain, or bloating, headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats, fast or pounding heartbeats, jaundice ( yellowing of the skin or eyes ); blurred vision or temporary vision loss ( lasting from only a few minutes to several hours ); high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding. Instruct to call agency for questions or concerns.
SN instructed patient on medication Torsemide. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure and edema ( fluid retention, excess fluid held in body tissues ) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, or liver disease. In addition to taking this medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking and using alcohol in moderation. To help you remember to take torsemide, take it around the same time every day. Torsemide controls high blood pressure and edema but does not cure these conditions. SN instructed to patient to continue to take torsemide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking torsemide without talking to your doctor. Common side effects of Torsemide includes: Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or sitting up, excessive urination, constipation, headache and nausea.
SN instructed patient regarding new medication Tamsulosin. This medication is used to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) such as difficult urination and inability to empty your bladder completely, common symptoms of enlarged prostate. Tamsulosin works by relaxing bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate itself and make it easier to urinate. Common side effects include dizziness, nasal congestion, rhinitis, rhinorrhea, sinus congestion and seasonal allergic rhinitis, drowsiness. Take this medication at bedtime to avoid becoming sleepy during the day. This medication may also cause you to become dizzy when standing up from a sitting or lying position, so rise slowly. Call 911 or get immediate emergency help if you have any signs of allergic reaction such as blistering rash, swelling of face; tongue, throat, or difficulty breathing. Patient verbalized understanding of all teaching.
SN instructed patient on ways to prevent Urinary tract infection ( UTI ). Cranberry juice contains active compounds that are able to survive the digestive process. In the urinary tract system, these compounds actively work to fight bacteria. Its effectiveness at treating urinary tract infections has been proven, and regularly consuming cranberry juice can help prevent them. You don’t have to choose straight cranberry juice, it can be blended with apple juice or even water for taste without losing its effectiveness. Water helps to keep the system flushed out, preventing bacteria from accumulating and causing problems. Cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktails should be offered on a regular basis and water intake should be tracked daily to ensure the patients are consuming enough water. Never Force yourself and wait - when you need to go the bathroom, your needs should be tended to immediately. Do not, under any circumstances, wait for a long period of time. Holding a full bladder for long periods of time can quickly lead to a urinary tract infection. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding.
Patient was instructed to drink adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sports drinks and fruit juices are helpful too, but they don't provide the ideal balance of water, sugar, and salt. However, drinking more fluid than your body can process can reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in your blood. In the elderly, your body's fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. Symptoms are: extreme thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient always clean your hands before and after you come in contact with any part of the PICC line. Your caregivers, family members, and any visitors should use good hand hygiene, too. Instructed patient keep the PICC dry. The catheter and dressing must stay dry.
Instructed patient check for redness, swelling, any drainage or excess skin growing around the tube. A small amount of clear tan drainage can be normal. Call your care team with any concerns. Instructed patient remove old dressing (if dressing is being used). Look at the area where the tube enters the skin
Instructed patient you may need to check your weight daily or weekly, Your healthcare provider may need to change your feeding if your weight changes too quickly. Instructed patient watched closely for any complications, such as an infection or bleeding.
Instructed patient do not take a bath in a bathtub. Cover the insertion site with clear, plastic wrap and tape to keep it dry before showering. Instructed patient avoid a lot of arm movement and coughing. Avoid lifting weight.
Instructed patient for the first 4-6 weeks after placement of a new PEG, bath water should not be so deep that the tube is under the water. Shower water should fall on your back only. For a balloon, low profile, or older PEG tube you can take a bath or shower as you normally do. Instructed patient call nurse or doctor if your body changes: your skin around tube has signs of infection: redness, warm to touch, firm to touch , tender.