leg edema
SN instructed patient on deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a vein deep in your body, such as the calf of your leg. The greatest danger is a clot that breaks off and travels to the lung(s). When this clot in the lung is called a pulmonary embolism (PE), a PE can be life threatening
Instructed patient a secure, clean and intact dressing is essential to prevent catheter migration and infection. Never pull on the catheter. Protect the lumen so they do not inadvertently get caught or tugged on. Call your nurse right away if you have any of the following: Pain in your shoulder, chest, back, arm, or leg, fever of 100.4°F or higher, chills.
Instructed patient When to seek medical care: 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), Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that urine drainage bag of the catheter should always be suspended below the level of the pubic bone, including during walking or sitting. Cleaning the groin and buttock areas regularly will decrease contamination of the catheter and the risk of infection. Anchoring the catheter to the leg with the provided strap prevents tugging injuries of the urethra.
SN instructed patient about drug Cilostazol, trade name: Pletal. Is a medication for the treatment of intermittent claudication (pain in your calves when walking), a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. Cilostazol reduces the pain of intermittent claudication by dilating the arteries, thereby improving the flow of blood and oxygen to the legs. It also reduces the ability of blood to clot. Cilostazol enables patients with intermittent claudication to walk longer and faster before developing pain. Cilostazol is a quinolinone-derivative medication that inhibits platelet aggregation and is a direct arterial vasodilator. Its main effects are dilation of the arteries supplying blood to the legs and decreasing platelet coagulation. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor.
SN instructed patient that phantom pain is very real but not everyone who has an amputation has phantom pain. The pain may feel like cramping, burning, stabbing or shooting pain. Some things that can make the pain feel worse are being too tired, too much pressure on the amputated arm or leg, changes in the weather, stress and infection.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Actonel is used to treat and prevent bone loss ( osteoporosis ). SN instructed patient of the side effects of Actonel: nausea, diarrhea, constipation and headache. SN instructed patient / caregiver to report to physician of adverse effects: flu - like symptoms ( e.g., fatigue, fever, aches ), weakness, chest or stomach pain, pain when swallowing, leg or ankle swelling, joint pain, bone pain.
SN explained that the problems with the veins in the legs may lead to chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ). CVI means that there is a long-term problem with the veins not being able to pump blood back to your heart. When this happens, blood stays in the legs and causes swelling and aching. Two problems that may lead to chronic venous insufficiency are: Damaged valves. Valves keep blood flowing from the legs through the blood vessels and back to the heart. When the valves are damaged, blood does not flow as well. Deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ). Blood clots may form in the deep veins of the legs. This may cause pain, redness, and swelling in the legs. It may also block the flow of blood back to the heart. Seek immediate medical care if you have these symptoms. A blood clot in the leg can also break off and travel to the lungs. This is called pulmonary embolism ( PE ). In the lungs, the clot can cut off the flow of blood. This may cause chest pain, trouble breathing, sweating, a fast heartbeat, coughing (may cough up blood), and fainting. It is a medical emergency and may cause death. Call 911 if you have these symptoms. Healthcare providers call the two conditions,Deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) and pulmonary embolism ( PE ), venous thromboembolism ( VTE ).
SN explained that the Chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ) can’t be cured, but you can control leg swelling to reduce the likelihood of ulcers ( sores ). Recognizing the symptoms Be aware of the following: If you stand or sit with your feet down for long periods, your legs may ache or feel heavy. Swollen ankles are possibly the most common symptom of Chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ). As swelling increases, the skin over your ankles may show red spots or a brownish tinge. The skin may feel leathery or scaly, and may start to itch. If swelling is not controlled, an ulcer ( open wound ) may form. What you can do Reduce your risk of developing ulcers by doing the following: Increase blood flow back to your heart by elevating your legs, exercising daily, and wearing elastic stockings. Boost blood flow in your legs by losing excess weight. If you must stand or sit in one place for a period of time, keep your blood moving by wiggling your toes, shifting your body position, and rising up on the balls of your feet. Pt verbalizes understanding.
SN instructed that a seizure that begins in the occipital cortex may result in flashing lights, while a seizure that affects the motor cortex will result in rhythmic jerking movements of the face, arm, or leg on the side of the body opposite to the involved cortex (Jacksonian seizure). A seizure that begins in the parietal cortex may cause distortion of spatial perception; a seizure that begins in the dominant frontal lobe may cause sudden speech difficulties.