home safety
SN instructed patient / caregiver on service authorization, advance directives, rights and responsibilities, rights of the elderly and obtained necessary signatures. Instructed patient / caregiver on 24 hour nurse availability and provided / posted the agency telephone number. Also instructed that after hours, weekends and holidays an answering service will reach the nurse and he / she will return the patient / caregiver call and answer any questions or make a visit if needed. Patient and caregiver stated understanding. Patient and caregiver educated on diabetic diet, diabetic foot care, symptoms / signs ( s / s ) of depression, managing pain with medications, healthy skin, and pressure ulcer prevention. Leaflets left in home.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Oxygen canisters should be kept at least 5 - 10 feet away from gas stoves, lighted fireplaces, wood stoves, candles or other sources of open flames. Do not use electric razors while using oxygen ( These are a possible source of sparks ). Do not use oil, grease or petroleum - based products on the equipment. Do not use it near you while you use oxygen. These materials are highly flammable and will burn readily with the presence of oxygen. Avoid petroleum - based lotions or creams, like Vaseline, on your face or upper chest. Check the ingredients of such products before purchase. If a skin moisturizer is needed, consider using cocoa butter, aloe vera or other similar products. For lubrication or rehydration of dry nasal passages, use water - based products. Your pharmacist or care provider can suggest these.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on the home treatment to treating edema, or swelling due to excess fluid in the legs and ankles. Treatment may include elevating the feet above heart level, wearing compression stockings and exercising the legs. Reducing sodium in the diet, losing weight and avoiding tight clothing can also reduce swelling.
SN instructed patient on Paget disease. Paget disease is a chronic bone disorder. Most people who have Paget disease of bone have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, the most common complaint is bone pain. Paget disease can cause pain in the bones or joints, headaches and hearing loss, pressure on nerves, increased head size, bowing of limb, or curvature of spine. Because this disease causes your body to generate new bone faster than normal, the rapid remodeling produces bone that's softer and weaker than normal bone, which can lead to bone pain, deformities and fractures. To reduce your risk of complications associated with Paget disease of bone, try these tips, prevent falls by using assistive devices like a walker or cane, fall - proof your home. Remove slippery floor coverings, use nonskid mats in your bathtub or shower, eat well. Be sure your diet includes adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D, which helps bones absorb calcium and exercise regularly. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining joint mobility and bone strength.
Instructed patient If the PICC gets damaged, it won't work right and could raise your chance of infection. Call your healthcare team right away if any damage occurs. To protect the PICC at home.
Skilled nurse educated patient and caregiver on HTN disease process. HTN also known as high blood pressure is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. It is important to seek medical attention for uncontrolled HTN and develop a plan of care with your PCP. It is recommended to check your blood pressure and pulse daily before taking blood pressure medications and logging in a journal. If your blood pressure is elevated wait 1-2 hours and recheck. Contact your doctor or home health agency if problems with blood pressure continue . Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
SN educated patient on the importance of daily vital sign monitoring. Due to patients disease processes it is important to monitor blood pressure, weight, pulse and oxygen daily if equipment is available. SN instructed patient to weigh correctly they need to wake up, pee and than weigh daily at the same time if possible, same amount of clothing, same area. Patient is to weigh prior to eating/drinking in the morning. Notify home health or PCP if -/+ 3 lbs in a day or +/-5 lbs in a week is seen. SN educated patient to monitor blood pressure and pulse, and instructed to check before medications and if elevated/low recheck in 1-2 hours. SN educated patient to always log vitals so patients MD has a larger snap shot on what is going on.Patient/CG verbalized understanding
SN instructed patient on new medications in the home. Instructed that Clarithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Instructed that Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and changes in taste may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Instructed patient on Coenzyme Q10 which is used for heart problems. It has also been used for reducing the number of migraine headaches. Nausea, loss of appetite, upset stomach, or diarrhea may rarely occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your home health nurse or doctor promptly.
Instructed patient on Docusate, this medication is used to treat occasional constipation. Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your home health nurse, doctor or pharmacist promptly.