diabetic foot care
Instructed patient reposition bed-bound persons at least every two hours and chair-bound persons every hour consistent
with overall goals of care.
SN advised to patient / caregiver that blood glucose monitoring is the main tool you have to keep your diabetes under control. This check tells you your blood glucose level at any one time. Keeping a log of your results is vital. When you bring this record to your health care provider, he /she will have a good picture of your body's response to your diabetes care plan.
SN instructed patient about cast care: keep the cast clean and avoid getting dirt or sand inside the cast. Do not apply powder or lotion on or near the cast. Cover the cast when eating, do not place anything inside the cast, even for itchy areas. Sticking items inside the cast can injure the skin and lead to infection. Using a hair dryer on the cool setting may help soothe itching, do not pull the padding out from inside your cast.
Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid. It works by causing the kidneys to retain sodium and acting as a replacement for cortisone when the body does not produce enough.Carry an ID card at all times that says you take fludrocortisone. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take fludrocortisone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.Fludrocortisone may cause an increase in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and calcium and potassium loss. Talk with your doctor to see if you need to decrease the amount of salt in your diet or take a calcium or vitamin D supplement. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:Difficulty sleeping; dizziness or lightheadedness; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; nervousness
Instructed caregiver inspect patient's feet every day—especially the sole and between the toes—for cuts, bruises, cracks, blisters, redness, ulcers, and any sign of abnormality. Each time you visit a health-care provider, remove your shoes and socks so your feet can be examined. Any problems that are discovered should be reported to patient's podiatrist as soon as possible; no matter how simple they may seem to you.
Instructed patient watch for signs of problems. Pay attention to how much of the catheter sticks out from your skin. If this changes at all, let your health care provider know. Also watch for cracks, leaks, or other damage. And if the dressing becomes dirty, loose, or wet, change it or call your health care team right away.
SN instructed patient about suprapubic catheter care, always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling your catheter, make sure that the catheter tubing does not get twisted or kinked, and that urine is flowing out of the catheter into the urine collection bag, keep the urine collection bag below the level of your bladder, make sure that the urine collection bag does not drag and pull on the catheter, you can shower with your catheter and urine collection bag in place unless you have been told not to, clean the bag every day after removing it from the catheter. Use another container while you clean the bag. To clean the bag, fill it with 2 parts vinegar to 3 parts water and let it stand for 20 minutes. Then empty it out, and let it air-dry.
SN instructed patient that Xifaxan is used for cessation of traveler's diarrhea and the reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Side effects are dizziness and peripheral edema. SN instructed patient to take rifaximin as directed and to complete therapy, even if feeling better. Caution patient to stop taking rifaximin if diarrhea symptoms get worse, persist more than 24–48 hr or are accompanied by fever or blood in the stool. Consult health care professional if these occur. Advise patient not to treat diarrhea without consulting health care professional. May occur up to several weeks after discontinuation of medication. Caution patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
SN instructed on the benefits of having Advance Directives. What are advance directives? Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out ahead of time what types medical care you would want if you ever became unable to speak for yourself. These documents can help ensure that you get the care you want even if you have an unexpected serious illness or accident. The documents can also make things easier for the people who will need to make decisions for you if you ever become unable to make them for yourself.
SN Instructed patient on Lobectomy Care. You will be able to drink liquids and eat certain foods once your stomach function returns after surgery.
You may be given ice chips at first. Then you will get liquids such as water, broth, juice and clear soft drinks. If your stomach
does not become upset, you may then be given soft foods, such as ice cream and applesauce. Once you can eat soft foods easily, you may slowly begin to eat solid foods.