skin integrity
SN instructed patient and caregiver on SIMVASTATIN. Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine. It inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. High blood cholesterol is first treated with exercise, weight loss, and a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats. When these measures fail, cholesterol-lowering medications such as Simvastatin can be added. Simvastatin is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. Minor side effects of Simvastatin include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, and headache. Major side effects of Simvastatin include abdominal pain or cramps, blurred vision, dizziness, easy bruising or bleeding, itching, muscle pain or cramps, rash, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
SN instructed the patient on good diabetic foot care and assessment as follows: using a handheld mirror if needed assess feet daily to include in between toes. Never cut toenails or file down calluses. Only a podiatrist should do this. Report any blisters, cracks, wounds or any other concerns to your podiatrist immediately. Wash and lotion feet very well daily. Do not lotion between toes as this may cause maceration and cause skin breakdown. Recommended wearing diabetic socks. Always wear good fitting shoes. Preferably tailor-made for the patient. Never walk around barefoot.
SN instructed the patient to keep oxygen away from any open flame to include smoking and also in-home pilot lights such as stove, furnace and water heater. Oxygen produced from concentrator and oxygen tanks is flammable. Call your company for a humidifier if causing nasal dryness or you may purchase lubricants made for oxygen use at your local pharmacy. Do not use Vaseline or petroleum based products as these can cause irritation and skin complications. Post no smoking / no Open Flame signs.
Instructed patient caregiver Change the pouching system regularly to avoid leaks and skin irritation. It's important to have a regular schedule for changing your pouch. Don't wait for leaks or other signs of problems, such as itching and burning.
SN instructed to keep oxygen away from any open flame to include smoking and also in home pilot lights such as stove, furnace and water heater. Oxygen produced from concentrator and oxygen tanks is flammable. Do not use vaseline or petroleum based, products as these can cause irritation and skin complications. Avoid using aerosol sprays. Post no smoking/no Open Flame signs. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. 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.
SN educated patient and caregiver about Lidocaine patches. After you are finished using a patch, remove it and dispose of it and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Lidocaine patches may cause side effects like burning or discomfort in the place you applied the patch, redness or swelling of the skin under the patch. If any of these symptoms occur, remove your patch and do not put it back on until the symptoms go away. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Instructed patient in position and reposition every hour to prevent skin breakdown.