skin breakdown
SN instructed patient about how the thyroid hormone helps regulate metabolism. When this hormone is abnormally low the energy production decreases, disrupting many vital functions. This can include skin issues such as: Coldness in the fingers and feet with pale and dry coarse skin, eczema, a yellowish hue to the skin, sparse and brittle hair, which comes out in handfuls, loss of hair in the outer third of eyebrows, slow growing, ridged and brittle nails, edema in face, eyelids, hands and feet, and delayed wound healing. Some of these things can be avoided if you are taking your replacement medication daily as ordered and are getting regular blood work to assure the medication is at the correct dose.
SN instructed patient about tracheotomy care dressing changes promote skin integrity and help prevent infection at the stoma site and
in the respiratory system. The patient should be instructed at least once per shift, apply a new dressing to the stoma site to absorb secretions and insulate the skin
. After applying a skin barrier, apply either a split - drain or a foam dressing. Change a wet dressing immediately.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Cephalexin. SN explained that Cephalexin is used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes: diarrhea, dizziness, headache, indigestion, joint pain, stomach pain and tiredness. SN explained that the drug can also cause yellowing of the eyes or skin; red, blistered, swollen or peeling skin, unusual bruising or bleeding, decreased urination, severe cramps and confusion. SN instructed to notify physician if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN teaching patient / caregiver on measures to prevent pressure ulcers, such as: Clean skin at times of soiling, avoid irritating cleaning agents, use moisturizers on dry skin, do not message bony prominences, keep skin clean and dry, and comply with proper lifting and positioning techniques.
Ostomy care Rinse the soap off the skin around your stoma very well because the residue may keep your skin barrier from sticking and may also cause skin irritation.
SN instructed patient and care giver that Silvadene is used with other treatments to help prevent and treat wound and skin infections. Silver sulfadiazine (silvadene) works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Silver sulfadiazine belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. Possible SE may include: pain, burning, or itching of the treated skin. Skin and mucous membranes (such as the gums) may become blue/gray in color. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Instructed patient about the skin around your stoma should look like it did before surgery. The best way to protect their skin is by:
using a bag or pouch with the correct size opening, so waste does not leak, taking good care of the skin around your stoma.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diabetes can dry out your skin. That means you could get injured more easily, be more likely to get an infection, and take longer to heal. When you bathe or shower, use warm water, and a mild, moisturizing soap. After washing and drying off, use a mild lotion to prevent dry skin. Avoid scratching dry skin, apply moisturizer instead.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on importance good hydration, drinking plenty of water; apply skin lotion after bath and after wash hands , to keep skin hydrated/moisturized.
SN educated patient and caregiver on Lidocaine patches. These patches are used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pains, or aches that may last for months or years after a shingles infection). It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals. To apply the patches, follow these steps: 1. Look at the skin that you plan to cover with a lidocaine patch. If the skin is broken or blistered, do not apply a patch to that area. 2. Use scissors to remove the outer seal from the package. Then pull apart the zipper seal. 3. Remove up to three patches from the package and press the zipper seal tightly together. The remaining patches may dry out if the zipper seal is not tightly closed. 4. Cut patch(es) to the size and shape that will cover your most painful area. 5. Peel the transparent liner off the back of the patch(es). 6. Press the patch(es) firmly onto your skin. If you are applying a patch to your face, be careful not to let it touch your eyes. If you do get lidocaine in your eye, wash it with plenty of water or saline solution. 7. Wash your hands after handling lidocaine patches. 8. Do not reuse lidocaine patches.