leg
General
SN to assess cardiovascular status, identify any signs and symptoms of impaired cardiovascular function. Patient was instructed how can you care for yourself at home when you have a legs pain. Take pain medicines exactly as directed, rest your leg while you have pain, and avoid standing for long periods of time, make sure you are eating a balanced diet that is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, your leg may be in a splint, a brace, or an elastic bandage.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on the home treatment to treating edema, or swelling due to excess fluid in the legs and ankles. Treatment may include elevating the feet above heart level, wearing compression stockings and exercising the legs. Reducing sodium in the diet, losing weight and avoiding tight clothing can also reduce swelling.
Instructed patient Keep the dressing (or bandage) clean, dry, and secured to the skin. Do not put lotions or ointments under the dressing. Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Pain or burning in your shoulder, chest, back, arm, or leg Fever of 100.4?F (38.0?C) or higher Chills Signs of infection at the catheter site (pain, redness, drainage, burning, or stinging)
SN Instructed on measures to detect and alleviate edema: Gently compress the soft tissue with your thumb over both shins for a few minutes and observe for indentation. If indention is noted, edema is present. Notify SN or Md if there is a deep indention. Reduce sodium (Na) in diet and exercise as tolerated to help reduce edema.
SN instructed on ways to help reduce Edema: to elevate lower extremities above the level of the heart approximately 8-12 inches for at least 30 minutes 3/4 times a day to improve circulation, promote venous drainage and reduce swelling.
SN instructed on intermittent claudication which is a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Intermittent claudication causes pain in your calves when walking, Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. There are two main ways to treat claudication: medication and a surgical treatment, called revascularization. Medication therapies are often used initially as they are non-invasive. Compression therapy can also be used as a noninvasive way to treat symptoms of claudication. Intermittent calf compression has been shown in studies to improve symptoms-free walking distance.
SN instructed patient and caregiver to monitor circulation r/t Unna boots. Report if dressing is tight and constricting esp. in back of leg. Check color of feet and report if bluish or purple in color. Report any c/o numbness or tingling. Dressing should be removed immediately if any s/s occur. and notify physician or nurse.
Instruct patient and caregiver regarding self-management of total knee replacement. Instructed patient about how is life different after a knee replacement it’s also normal to have temporary swelling, pressure and/or bruising in your ankles and feet, and these may last for a few months. Here are a couple things you can do to help: ice your knee (always cover ice packs in a towel to avoid frostbite, wear compression stockings, elevate your leg with a pillow, ankle exercises verbalized.
Instructed patient in lifestyle and home remedies that may help decrease edema and keep it from coming back. Before trying any self-care techniques, talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. Ask your doctor about exercises you can do that may reduce swelling. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient in lifestyle and home remedies that may help decrease edema and keep it from coming back. Before trying any self-care techniques, talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you. Massage or stroking the affected area toward your heart using firm, but not painful, pressure may help move the excess fluid out of that area. Patient verbalized understanding.