diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
SN instructed that the Loss of appetite can be a serious problem; it can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss. Eating enough of the right kinds of foods can be difficult when you do not feel like eating at all. Here are some tips to help you increase your appetite: Avoid drinking liquids before a meal, because they can fill you up. If you want to drink, then drink juices or milk—something nutritious. Eat with family or friends if possible. Eat a variety of foods. Spice up your food with herbs, spices, and sauces. Use butter, bacon bits, croutons, wine sauces, and marinades to provide taste-pleasing meals. Do not fill up on salads or “diet” foods. Eat vegetables and fruits along with meats, poultry, and fish to make sure you get enough calories and nutrition. Eat smaller meals more often, especially if you fill up before you’ve eaten all your dinner.
Instructed on emergency preparedness. Planning ahead to ensure adequate care in case of severe weather or natural disaster is imperative. Here are a few key tips that warrant consideration in any elderly person’s disaster plan: Create an emergency contact card listing all of the emergency contact numbers and family information, including a list of doctors and relatives or friends who should be notified in case of injury. Discuss what to do in case of an emergency. Create a “disaster kit” that includes: Water for three days, Non-perishable food for three days (examples include protein and fruit bars, dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers, canned juices and canned food), plus a manual can opener Battery-operated radio with extra batteries, Flashlight with plenty of extra batteries Change of clothes, plus extra blankets First aid supplies, Prescription medicine list, plus copies of prescriptions Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries, Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards, Some cash on hand, as a bank or ATM machine may be inaccessible Extra warm clothing
SN instructed that Meloxicam is a not steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and fever reducer effects. Possible can result in gastrointestinal toxicity and bleeding, headaches, rash, and very dark or black stool. Like other NSAIDs, its use is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. It has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than diclofenac,, piroxicam, and naproxen, and perhaps all other NSAIDs.
SN instructed patient about Flonase ( Fluticasone). It is used to treat asthma, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, various skin disorders and Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. If taken correctly, the nasal spray and oral inhaler formulation have less corticosteroid side effects than the tablet formulation because they limit systemic absorption. However, if the spray or inhaler is used at higher than recommended doses or with other corticosteroids, serious side effects can occur. These systemic corticosteroid side effect include weakened immune system, increased risk of systemic infections, osteoporosis, and elevated pressure in the eyes. Nasal spray common side effects may include nasal irritation, HA, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nosebleed, and cough. Rare side effects include painful white patches in nose or throat, sore throat, bruising , vision problems, swelling of face or neck, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about Diphenhydramine( Benadryl). It is a first-generation antihistamine used to treat a number of conditions including allergic symptoms and itchiness, the common cold, insomnia, motion sickness, and extrapyramidal symptoms. It is a potent anticholinergic agent. This activity is responsible for multiples side effects such as: dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, pupil dilation, urinary retention, constipation, and, at high doses, hallucinations or delirium. Other side effects include motor impairment, flushed skin, blurred vision at near point owing to lack of accommodation, abnormal sensitivity to bright light (photophobia), sedation, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, visual disturbances, irregular breathing, dizziness, irritability, itchy skin, confusion, increased body temperature, temporary erectile dysfunction, and excitability, and although it can be used to treat nausea, higher doses may cause vomiting. Report any Side effect / Adverse reaction to Physician / Nurse as needed.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on hypertensive urgency which is a situation where the blood pressure is severely elevated and that experiencing hypertensive urgency may or may not experience one or more of these symptoms: severe headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and severe anxiety, chest or back pain, numbness or severe weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking. Patient and caregiver were advised to seek immediately medical assistance and/or call 9-1-1 if any of these signs or symptoms appear. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding. Family is independent with hypertension process.
RN performed supervision with HHA present and reviewed that the HHA Care Plan is followed as ordered. Patient is satisfied with rendered services. RN instructed patient and caregiver on strategies that can significantly help decrease the risk of a fall such as: skid - proof mats or strips in the shower and bathtub, removal of furniture that can slip away if grabbed accidentally for support, supportive non - slip footwear and not walking in stocking feet. RN also explained that side effects of most medications taking can cause dizziness and advised to immediately report the occurrence of dizziness so that it can be addressed by physician. Patient and caregiver voiced understanding of all instructions given.
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 patient on non pharmacological pain management like massage, a lot of people find relief from gentle massage. Several studies have found that massage is effective in relieving pain and other symptoms for people with serious illness. Relaxation techniques like guided imagery, breathing techniques, and gentle movement like rom exercises. Relaxation techniques are often very effective, particularly when a patient / caregiver is feeling anxious. Physical therapy if a person has been active before and is now confined to bed, even just moving the hands and feet a little bit can help. Pet therapy if you have bouts of pain that last 5, 10, or 15 minutes, trying to find something pleasant like petting an animal soft fur to distract and relax yourself can be helpful. Gel packs, these are simple packs that can be warmed or chilled and used to ease localized pain.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Percocet is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain - containing two drugs: acetaminophen and oxycodone. Explained that Acetaminophen is used to reduce both pain and fever & Oxycodone is used for its calming effect and for pain. Explained that the common side effects include dizziness, light - headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting. SN instructed that side effects may be alleviated by lying down and if they persist or worsen to notify Physician. SN instructed to call physician immediately if the patient experiences slow / irregular breathing, slow / irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine or any allergic reactions. SN instructed patient to drink at least 8 glasses of water and eat foods that are high in fiber such as apples, peaches, oranges and oats if constipation is experienced.