diabetic foot care
SN completed assessment done on all body systems and noted patient with elevated blood pressure during visit. SN completed treatment during visit and noted no drainage on old tx, wound callused and new area found to left medial top of foot remains intact with no drainage noted. SN noted patient complaint of pain to bilateral lower extremities with +2 edema noted. SN educated primary caregiver on the importance of elevation of bilateral lower extremities as well as pain management for patient.
SN instructed patient on Gout. It is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is associated with elevated levels of a natural waste product in the body, uric acid. Uric acid can build up in your bloodstream to very high levels and form urate crystals in your joints. The first attack is likely to be on a foot or most commonly a big toe.
SN instructed patient you can do many things to help knee pain, whether it's due to a recent injury or arthritis you've had for years. Too much rest can weaken your muscles, which can worsen joint pain. Find an exercise program that is safe for your knee. Do exercise, don’t risk a fall. A painful or unstable knee can make a fall more likely, which can cause more knee damage. Curb your risk of falling by making sure your home is well lit, using handrails on staircases, and using a sturdy ladder or foot stool if you need to reach something from a high shelf.
The patient was instructed in osteomyelitis in the necessity of wound care using aseptic method for dressing changes. The patient was advised to care of a casted extremity. The patient was reviewed to care for external fixator device. The patient was recommended how to use and care for the Hickman catheter for home antibiotic therapy. The patient was encouraged in the importance of immobilizing the affected part to reduction the spread of infected material.
Instructed in possible complications of diabetes such as kidney disease. The early kidney damage has no symptoms. However, a blood test is now available to detect diabetic kidney damage at an early stage when it is still reversible. This is called the microalbumin test.
Instructed in new medication Levaquin to manage infection. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, encephalopathy, chest pain, palpitations, vasodilation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, vaginitis, eosinophilia, hypoglycemia, back pain, tendon rupture, rash, pruritus, hypersensitivity reactions, etc. Instructed to take drug as prescribed, even if signs and symptoms disappear. Take drug with plenty of fluids and avoid antacids, sucralfate, and products containing iron or zinc for at least 2 hours before and after each dose. Avoid excessive sunlight, use sun block, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Stop drug usage and notify prescriber if rash or other S/S of hypersensitivity develop. Notify prescriber if patient experiences pain or inflammation. Tendon rupture can occur with drug. Instructed to Diabetic patient to monitor glucose level and notify prescriber if a hypoglycemia reaction occurs. Notify prescriber if loose stools or diarrhea occurs.
Instructed in measures important in management of diabetes mellitus: follow prescribed diabetic diet, see physician, dentist, and eye doctor regulary, take medications as ordered, exercise regularly.
Instructed in possible adverse reactions of oral diabetic agents, which include nausea, vomiting, epigastric fullness, heartburn, hypoglycemia, rash, itching and facial flushing.
Instructed in oral diabetic agents, these stimulate insulin release from the pancreas to help control glucose levels.
Instructed that insulin/oral diabetic agents, are used to relieve the symptoms and not to cure the disease.