low sodium diet
Instructed on some measures aimed to managing/controlling hypertension, such as: decrease sodium intake to decrease retention of fluid and the workload of the heart, among others.
Instructed on some potential factors of hypertension (high blood pressure), such as: age, race and high sodium intake, among others.
Patient was instructed on some potential complications of hypertension, such as: retinal damage , cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke and kidney failure. Also the patient was instructed on some measures aimed to managing/controlling hypertension, such as: exercise regularly and have regular check-ups, achieve and/or maintain ideal weight, and decrease sodium intake to decrease retention of fluid and the workload of the heart as directed by MD. Patient understood instructions given.
Patient was instructed to drink adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sports drinks and fruit juices are helpful too, but they don't provide the ideal balance of water, sugar, and salt. However, drinking more fluid than your body can process can reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in your blood.
Instructed patient what lifestyle choices can help me feel my best: Stay active. If you are not active, your symptoms are
likely to worsen quickly. Walking, and other types of physical activity help maintain your strength and improve your
mood. Physical activity also helps you manage your weight. Eat heart-healthy foods and limit sodium (salt An easy way to
do this is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer canned and processed foods.
SN instructed that Torsemide is a loop diuretic. It works by making the kidney eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes ( especially sodium and potassium salts ) and water than normal ( diuretic effect ). It is used to treat edema ( swelling ) associated with heart, kidney, or liver failure, or with conditions in which there is excess body water. It is also used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. Torsemide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm. If you also take cholestyramine, do not take it within 4 hours before or after taking torsemide. may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. Torsemide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Weight should be monitored while taking this medication.
Patient was instructed to drink adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sports drinks and fruit juices are helpful too, but they don't provide the ideal balance of water, sugar, and salt. However, drinking more fluid than your body can process can reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in your blood. In the elderly, your body's fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. Symptoms are: extreme thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient caregiver avoid dehydration, you should try to drink 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of fluid a day. If you have diarrhea, you may need more. Drinks such as Gatorade®, PowerAde, or Pedialyte contain potassium and sodium. But any liquid containing water (soda, milk, juice, tea, etc.) helps to meet your daily need for fluid.
Instructed patient that certain medications you might be taking, including Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium Tablets), also require special nutritional precautions. Your doctor or LVAD coordinator can provide you with detailed nutritional guidelines for your particular situation. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient that a diabetic diet doesnt exist by itself, a healthy diet, which can be shared with the other family members,will prevent increases in blood sugar.