SN instructed patient about the heart is a muscle that pumps oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body. When you have heart failure, the heart is not able to pump as well as it should. Blood and fluid may back up into the lungs (congestive heart failure), and some parts of the body don’t get enough oxygen-rich blood to work normally. These problems lead to the symptoms of heart failure. Follow a heart healthy diet. And make sure to limit the salt (sodium) in your diet. Salt causes your body to hold water. This makes your heart work harder as there is more fluid for the heart to pump.
Patient instructed Cellulitis can appear on almost any part of the body. It usually shows up on damaged skin such as inflamed wounds, dirty cuts, and areas with poor circulation. It needs to be treated by a doctor. Common symptoms include: Redness, Red streaking, Swelling, Warmth, Pain or tenderness, & Leaking of yellow, clear fluid or pus.
SN instructed patient on Gout. It is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is associated with elevated levels of a natural waste product in the body, uric acid. Uric acid can build up in your bloodstream to very high levels and form urate crystals in your joints. The first attack is likely to be on a foot or most commonly a big toe.
Patient/caregiver instructed osteoarthritis is a degenerative, noninflammatory joint disease. The cartilage that protects the ends of bones is worn away. It can affect all mobile joints, especially weight-bearing joints: hip, knee, and spinal column. Risk factors are advanced age, trauma, overuse of joints, genetic tendency, obesity, metabolic or endocrine abnormalities.
Skilled nurse educated patient and caregiver on HTN disease process. HTN also known as high blood pressure is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. It is important to seek medical attention for uncontrolled HTN and develop a plan of care with your PCP. It is recommended to check your blood pressure and pulse daily before taking blood pressure medications and logging in a journal. If your blood pressure is elevated wait 1-2 hours and recheck. Contact your doctor or home health agency if problems with blood pressure continue . Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient on atherosclerotic heart disease also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD); is the damage or disease in the heart's major blood vessels. The usual cause is the buildup of plaque. This causes coronary arteries to narrow, limiting blood flow to the heart. Coronary artery disease can range from no symptoms, to chest pain, to a heart attack. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty, and surgery.
SN instructed patient on hyperlipidemia also known as hyperlipoproteinemia. It is a condition in which there are high levels of fat particles (lipids) in the blood. These substances can deposit in blood vessel walls and restrict blood flow. This creates a risk of heart attack and stroke. Hyperlipidemia doesn't cause any symptoms. The condition is diagnosed by routine blood tests, recommended every five years for adults. Treatments include medication, a healthy diet, and exercise.
Patient was instructed on HTN and how it affects the heart and it's function. Over time HTN if uncontrolled can damage the vessels of the heart, leaving it unable to pump blood efficiently. This causes what is known as heart failure. Symptoms you may experience and should report to your MD are swelling in your feet or hands, crackles in your chest when breathing, increased shortness of breath.
SN instructed patient that heart failure, also called Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), means your heart does not pump blood as well as it should. This does not mean your heart has stopped working, but that it is not as strong as it used to be and fluid builds up in the lungs and other parts of your body. This can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, feet, and stomach. Heart failure starts slowly and can get worse over time.
SN taught patient that diabetes is a life-long disease. You will always have it, so education about your diabetes is very important. The more you learn about diabetes, the better you can control your blood glucose level and avoid complications. To learn how to manage your diabetes, work closely with your health care team.
