infection control
SN instructed patient on high blood pressure. The high blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
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 diabetes and kidney problem, that diabetes mellitus ( DM ) is one of the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States. Approximately one-half of people who need dialysis have kidney disease from diabetes.With that, tight control of blood sugar must be done by avoiding concentrated sweets and high-carbohydrate content foods.Diabetic patients with hypertension have a special lower blood pressure target of less than 130 / 80 mmHg to reduce cardiovascular risk and delay progression of kidney disease.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that the stroke occurs when a clot or a torn blood vessel in the brain stops blood from reaching a part of the brain. Damage to that part of the brain from lack of blood and oxygen can cause various signs and symptoms of stroke, such as facial drooping, numbness and paralysis. Although anyone can have a stroke, your risk increases if you're male, over age 65, or have one of these conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes. Being overweight, smoking, abusing drugs or alcohol, and taking birth control pills increase risk, too. African - Americans, people who are Hispanic or Asian, and those with a close relative who's had a stroke are also at higher risk.
SN instructed patient on Colostomy Care.The patient should limit foods that may cause gas and odor: These include vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and
cauliflower. Beans, eggs and fish may also cause gas and odor. Eat slowly and do not use a straw to drink liquids. Yogurt,
buttermilk and fresh parsley may help control odor and gas.
Sn teaching patient to take pain medication before pain becomes severe to achieve better pain control and decreases the amount of pain medication that is required. SN instructed patient on pain relief measures, including relaxation techniques, massage, stretching, positioning, and / or hot / cold packs.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Dilantin. Explained that Dilantin is an anticonvulsant and is used to control seizures. SN instructed patient / caregiver that the side effects of this medication includes headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia and nervousness, swelling of gums may also occur. SN instructed to call physician ( MD ) if patient experiences unusual eye movement, loss of coordination, slurred speech, confusion, blurred vision, or tingling of hands and feet. SN instructed patient / caregiver that blood draws are usually done regularly to make sure that the medication in the body is within therapeutic level.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Glipizide. SN informed patient / caregiver that Glipizide is used to help control blood sugar levels, causing the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the side effects include low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) can occur when on this medication. SN explained that symptoms of low blood sugar include hunger, nausea, tiredness, perspiration, headache, heart palpitations, numbness around the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold temperature, excessive yawning, irritability, confusion or loss of consciousness and should be reported to physician ( MD ) if persistently experienced.
Sn instructed patient on pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing is one of the simplest ways to control shortness of breath. It provides a quick and easy way to slow your pace of breathing, making each breath more effective. What does pursed lip breathing do? Pursed lip breathing: Improves ventilation, releases trapped air in the lungs, keeps the airways open longer and decreases the work of breathing, prolongs exhalation to slow the breathing rate, improves breathing patterns by moving old air out of the lungs and allowing for new air to enter the lungs, relieves shortness of breath, causes general relaxation. When should I use this technique? Use this technique during the difficult part of any activity, such as bending, lifting or stair climbing. Practice this technique 4 - 5 times a day at first so you can get the correct breathing pattern. Pursed lip breathing technique: Relax your neck and shoulder muscles, breathe in ( inhale ) slowly through your nose for two counts, keeping your mouth closed. Don't take a deep breath; a normal breath will do. It may help to count to yourself: inhale, one, two. Pucker or "purse" your lips as if you were going to whistle or gently flicker the flame of a candle. Breathe out ( exhale ) slowly and gently through your pursed lips while counting to four. It may help to count to yourself: exhale, one, two, three, four.
SN instructed patient that the Glipizide is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels by helping your pancreas produce insulin. That is used together with diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes. Instructed patient to follow doctors orders and that it is to be taken 30 minutes before a meal twice a day. Reviewed symptoms / signs of hypoglycemia: headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Instructed on common side effects: mild nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness or skin rash, redness or itching. Instructed patient to call 911 in the event of hives; difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.