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Leg edema Teaching 558

Patient was instructed on leg edema. Swollen feet and legs, referred to medically as leg edema, occur when fluid is retained in the spaces between body cells. As leg edema typically affects the feet, ankles and lower legs, but can also impact any areas of the body, causing systemic symptoms.

Leg edema Teaching 559

Patient was instructed on what cause leg edema. It can be caused by a serious condition of the kidney, heart, liver or blood vessels, but many other factors can contribute to its onset, including: abusing drugs, sodium retention, varicose veins and history of phlebitis, allergic reactions, neuromuscular disorders, trauma.

Leg edema Teaching 560

Patient was instructed on symptoms of leg edema. If having leg edema feet and legs will initially appear swollen as the day progresses. After a period of time, however, the swelling will set in first thing in the morning and worsen throughout the day. Over time other symptoms will develop: High blood pressure, headaches, increased urination, palpitations, swollen hands and/or wrists, puffy eyes, weight gain.

Leg edema Teaching 561

Patient was instructed on relieving and preventing leg edema. The first line of defense is: leg elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart which puts minimal pressure on the back of the knees and thighs and lower back. Other help to decrease swelling is limiting salt intake, drink plenty of water, avoid sitting with the feet dependent. Do not abuse diuretics and laxatives.

Mouth care Teaching 569

Patient was instructed that diabetes can damage many parts of the body, including the mouth and teeth. Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, cavities and tooth loss, dry mouth and a variety of oral infections.

Mouth care Teaching 570

Patient was instructed on a healthy mouth. Poor oral mouth can make diabetes more difficult to control. Infections may cause the blood sugar to rise and require more insulin to keep it under control. In addition diabetes can diminish the ability to taste sweets influencing and changing food choices in favor of additional sweeter tasting foods, thereby affecting the dental health.

Mouth care Teaching 571

Patient was instructed on a healthy mouth. Tooth damage. An invisible film of bacteria, saliva and food particles (dental plaque) normally cover teeth. The bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in the foods and beverages consumed and produce acids that damage the hard enamel coating the teeth. Damage from this acid increases the risk of tooth decay (cavities).

Mouth care Teaching 572

Patient was instructed on Gum disease. Dental plaque can cause many problems if not removed from the teeth with regular brushing and flossing. It hardens under the gum line into a substance called tartar or calculus. Tartar irritates the gums and causes gingivitis. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.

Mouth care Teaching 573

Patient was instructed on Darkened teeth. It is caused by changes in dentin

Mouth care Teaching 574

Patient was instructed on Dry mouth. That is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of medications. While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications and dentures can diminishes sense of taste.