pressure ulcer
SN instructed patient / caregiver on medication Azor. Explained that azor is a medication used to lower blood pressure. Explained that it is a combination medication of Amlodipine and Olmesartan and it works by dilating the blood vessels causing a decrease in blood pressure. Explained that the side effects include edema, orthostatic hypotension, rash, itching, palpitation and nocturia. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing headache, dizziness or flushing.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Benicar. Explained that this medication is a blood pressure lowering medication. Explained that the side effects includes hypotension ( low blood pressure ), dizziness, fatigue, headache and /or diarrhea. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Diovan. Explained that diovan is used to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ) and heart failure. Explained that the high blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems and that this drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects of this medication includes dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, or blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. SN instructed that if any of these effects persist or worsen, to notify doctor immediately.
SN instructed patient that fluid restrictions are usually necessary when dialysis is initiated, especially if dialysis only occurs three days a week and if urine production is decreased. Build up of fluid can lead to shortness of breath, swelling, and high blood pressure. There is a limit to the amount of fluid that can be safely removed during dialysis. If fluid limits are exceeded and extra water must be removed, negative effects such as muscle cramping, low blood pressure leading to nausea, weakness, dizziness, and possibly extra dialysis sessions to remove the fluid.
SN instructed patient that Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body ( edema ) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a "water pill" ( diuretic ) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. SN also instructed patient that Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache or blurred vision may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
SN instructed patient that High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than it needed to before. Over the space of many years, this extra effort can lead to the heart muscle becoming thicker and less effective at pushing the blood round. This allows fluid to build up in your lower legs and ankles, which causes them to swell up.
SN educated patient/caregiver about CKD. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. The main risk factors for developing kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney failure. You can take steps to protect your kidneys. The most important step you can take to treat kidney disease is to control your blood pressure. Healthy habits can also help you manage your kidney disease.
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 and caregiver on how the kidneys play an important role in the body: they filter the blood, removing waste products and excess salt and water. If the kidneys become diseased, they falter in their task, leaving the blood polluted.People with diabetes often focus on keeping their blood sugar levels in the right ranges. And while it is important to control blood sugar, it turns out that controlling blood pressure is at least as important. That's because high blood sugar and high blood pressure work in concert to damage the blood vessels and organ systems.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on proper incontinence care as to check every 2-3 hours if needed. Educated on pressure reduction measures as to change patient's position in bed/chair every 2-3 hours, avoid positioning on affected areas and use pressure reduction mattress or chair cushion.