SN taught patient on sleeping with LVAD, and it was explained that many LVAD patients actually find that they’re able to sleep more comfortably with their LVAD than they did before because they’re feeling better and breathing more easily. There are, however, two major ways that having an LVAD affects your sleep routine: You may not be able to sleep on your stomach. Stomach sleeping can compress or pull on the driveline. Sleeping on your back is the best option, although some LVAD patients find it comfortable to sleep on their sides. You’ll also need to make sure that the driveline doesn’t get tangled in clothing or blankets. At first, sleeping with the LVAD may feel awkward, but most patients get used to it after a few days. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient that it is not uncommon to experience significant stress, anxiety or depression when receiving your LVAD or becoming a caregiver for an LVAD recipient. There have been a lot of changes in your body and your life recently. There are many different causes of mental health issues, many of which are not under your control. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it is not a bad thing to ask for help. There are many new medications and treatments available to help you feel better. Sometimes mental health issues are not recognized by the person who is affected. We have provided this tool to help you or a loved one identify when you may need to ask for help. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient her LVAD team will give you detailed instructions on what you need to do on a daily basis for your specific device and medical condition. They will also most likely give you a chart (sometimes called a “flowsheet”) customized for your specific device, to fill out daily. Flowsheets make it easy to keep track of your weight, medications, device settings (such as pump speed, power, etc.) and other daily maintenance items. Sample flowsheets are included at the bottom of the page (they vary slightly based on manufacturer). It is a sample only; use the flowsheet provided by your LVAD team. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient caregiver when you should call the doctor: continuous bleeding where the stoma meets the skin unusual change in your stoma size or color anything unusual going on with your ostomy.
Instructed patient caregiver when you should call the doctor: Injury to the stoma, bad skin irritation or deep sores (ulcers) a lot of bleeding from the stoma opening or a moderate amount in the pouch that you notice several times when emptying it. Eating beets will cause some red discoloration.
Instructed patient caregiver when you should call the doctor: Severe watery discharge lasting more than 5 or 6 hours bad odor lasting more than a week this may be a sign of infection, a cut in the stoma.
Instructed patient caregiver when you should call the doctor cramps lasting more than 2 or 3 hours continuous nausea and vomiting, no ostomy output for 4 to 6 hours with cramping and nausea.
Instructed patient caregiver Loss of appetite, drowsiness, and leg cramps may be signs of sodium loss. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath may be signs of potassium loss. Dehydration, low sodium, and low potassium can all be dangerous and should be treated right away. Call your doctor or 911 right away if you are dizzy, weak, or having other serious symptoms.
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 caregiver dehydration is also a serious concern. Symptoms include increased thirst, dry mouth, decreased urine output, feeling light-headed, and feeling tired. If you get dehydrated, you’ll need to drink more fluids.
