safety
SN instructed patient / caregiver that the more you know about any medication you use, the better it is as they can be sure they're using it properly. There are simple safety measures when taking any medication like take each medication exactly as it has been prescribed, make sure that all your doctors know about all your medications, and let your doctors know about any other over the counter (OTC) medications, vitamins and supplements, or herbs that you use as well as any allergies to any medication.
Instructed patient about vacuum assisted closure ( VAC ) therapy provides intermittent and continuous therapy with integrated patient safety features.
Sn instructed patient on seizures and precautions for safety at home. replace glass tables or furniture with wood, glass can break and cause injury, leave interior doors open, don't take shower unless someone is in the house and make sure family and friends are aware of your seizures and know what to do to help if you have a seizure. Notify nurse or Physician if seizures occur. If a grand mal seizure occurs go to ED after recovery.
SN instructed patient about medication safety. Keep medicines in one place. Don't waste time searching the house for pills. Keep them together in a single location provided by SN. Explained to never remove the label from the bottle. Always keep medicine container tightly closed. Informed to do not mix different medicine into the same bottle to prevent taking the wrong medicine by accident.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Post signs in every room where oxygen is in use. Make sure that absolutely no smoking occurs in the home or in the car when oxygen is in use. Secure an oxygen cylinder to a solidly fixed object to avoid creating a missile out of the tank. This might happen if it was accidentally knocked over and gas was allowed to escape. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Be familiar with the equipment and the safety checks established by the medical equipment provider. Keep their contact telephone numbers, and the numbers for other emergency services, posted near a phone. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working. Have fresh batteries installed. Perform monthly checks. Have a fire extinguisher available in the home as well ( Use type ABC ). Create and practice an escape and rescue plan in the event of a fire. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
Anticonvulsants should not be discontinued abruptly because of the possibility of increasing seizure frequency; therapy should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency, unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal.
SN educated patient and caregiver on the importance of always using assistive device with ambulation and transfers to avoid falls or injuries. Nurse instructed patient and caregiver on the importance of home safety such as proper lighting, and to keep walkways free of debris and clutter. Patient was instructed to contact PCP or home health agency if they fall or if current health status declines. Patient was instructed to not walk unassisted when not feeling steady . Patient verbalized understanding
Patient instructed on fall safety precautions to include: locking w/c before transfers, use assistive device for mobility at all times, make sure walkways are free of clutter, & well lit, do not walk around barefoot or in socks, avoid using rugs, use non slip rug in bath tub & use shower chair for bathing.
Instructed patient to remember that shorter "trips" take planning too: Any time you leave your home whether it’s a one-hour drive to visit friends or a ten-minute walk to get groceries you will need to bring your backup controller and power sources with you, plus any medications you’re scheduled to take. Understanding was verbalized.
Patient was explained that having a nephrostomy tube in for a long time increases the risk of getting an infection. Nephrostomy tube care focuses on preventing infection. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.. understanding was verbalized