blood sugar
RN instructed patient and caregiver on no-added-salt or salt-controlled diet that can help control high blood pressure. RN explained that even if taking medication, it's important to follow a salt-controlled diet to help the medication work more effectively and use a limited amount of salt in cooking. RN instructed caregiver not to add salt to food at the table, either at home or when dining out. RN also instructed patient to use fresh or dried herbs, spices, and lemon juice to season foods and avoid ham, bacon, salt pork and cheese because these are made with salt. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding of all instructions given.
SN instructed that check the access for signs of infection or problems with blood flow before each hemodialysis treatment, even if the patient is inserting the needles. Keeping the access clean at all times. Using the access site only for dialysis. Being careful not to bump or cut the access. Checking the thrill in the access every day. The thrill is the rhythmic vibration a person can feel over the vascular access. Watching for and reporting signs of infection, including redness, tenderness, or pus. Not letting anyone put a blood pressure cuff on the access arm. Not wearing jewelry or tight clothes over the access site. Not sleeping with the access arm under the head or body. Not lifting heavy objects or putting pressure on the access arm.
SN instructed patient that eliquis could cause bruising, internal bleeding, increased bleeding time so if any falls, severe cuts or unexplained pain or pain pressure call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if: You cough up blood, you vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, you pass maroon or very bloody stools. Patient was able to be taught back.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Benicar. Explained that this medication is a blood pressure lowering medication. Explained that the side effects includes hypotension ( low blood pressure ), dizziness, fatigue, headache and /or diarrhea. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Hydralazine medication relaxes and expands blood vessels and is used to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ). SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects of this medication includes: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue and nasal congestion may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. SN explained to patient / caregiver that to avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. SN instructed patient / caregiver to inform doctor if you develop: chest pain, muscle pain, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes / skin, joint pain, a change in the amount of urine. SN explained to patient / caregiver that this drug may cause numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes and that if this occurs, notify doctor. SN explained to patient / caregiver that symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing and should be reported immediately for prompt treatment.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. It may lead to complications. Atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots forming in the heart that may circulate to other organs and lead to blocked blood flow ( ischemia ). Treatments for this may include medications and other interventions to try to alter the heart's electrical system. Signs and symptoms ( S / S ) such as: Palpitations, which are sensations of a racing, uncomfortable, irregular heartbeat or a flip - flopping in your chest, weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain.
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 about diabetic wounds / ulcers have poor or delayed healing. Healing problems are caused by the peripheral arterial diseases and peripheral neuropathy that can occur with diabetes, wherein the small blood vessels in different parts of the body, especially in the extremities ( hands and feet ), grow narrower and reduce the blood circulation to those areas. A lack of circulation in the extremities can result in a reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body tissue and nerves, which is necessary for healing. Over time, nerves in these areas may become damaged, decreasing the sensation of pain, temperature and touch, making patients vulnerable to injury.
SN instructed patient that Furosemide 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. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a "water pill" ( diuretic ) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. SN also instructed patient that Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache or blurred vision may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding Metoprolol Tartrate, which is in a group of drugs called beta - blockers. That is affect the heart and circulation ( blood flow through arteries and veins ). Metoprolol is used to treat angina ( chest pain ) and hypertension ( high blood pressure ). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, feeling light - headed, fainting; feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion, swelling of your hands or feet, nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay - colored stools, jaundice ( yellowing of the skin or eyes ), easy bruising, unusual bleeding ( nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum ), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin, wheezing, trouble breathing. Less serious side effects may include: dry mouth, constipation, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, tired feeling, sleep problems ( insomnia ), or anxiety, nervousness. Do not suddenly stop taking metoprolol tartrate. Sharp chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and sometimes heart attack may occur if you suddenly stop metoprolol tartrate. The risk may be greater if you have certain types of heart disease. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take metoprolol tartrate before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care or surgery.