diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
General information
Patient was given teaching on good body mechanics to avoid injury such as: keep your back straight as you walk and also when lifting making sure to never bend at the waist. If sitting put a pillow or rolled towel to support your lower back.
SN instructed patient on the importance of daily monitoring of the blood pressure; along with reporting an elevated BP of 160/90 and above to MD/SN stat.
SN instructed patient on low salt diet. SN instructed patient on how to read nutritional labels on commercially prepared foods. Other salt alternatives such as Mrs. Dash was encouraged. SN explained how sodium affects blood pressure and water retention.
SN instructed patient/ CG about thickened liquids. SN explained that thickened liquids are used to treat patients with Dysphagia. Thick liquids decrease aspiration. Thick liquids may give the patient more time to perform additional swallows or other swallowing strategies. Thickened liquids slow down the bolus flow to compensate for a delayed swallow and reduced airway closure.
SN instructed on the need for adequate fluid intake, establishing a toilet schedule such as every 2 hours, or before or after activities, meals, sleep, and rest periods.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on proper incontinence care as to check every 2-3 hours if needed. Educated on pressure reduction measures as to change patient's position in bed/chair every 2-3 hours, avoid positioning on affected areas and use pressure reduction mattress or chair cushion.
SN instructed on arteriosclerosis is hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries. This condition can occur because of fatty deposits on the inner lining of arteries (atherosclerosis), calcification of the wall of the arteries, or thickening of the muscular wall of the arteries from chronically elevated blood pressure. When arteriosclerosis affects the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, a shortage of oxygen delivered to the heart itself may lead to a heart attack.
SN instructed patient on importance of hand washing before and after eating, after using the bathroom , after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, after being outside , in order to prevent spread of germs.
Instructed patient how prevent a decrease in physical activity. Encourage activity including cooperation with neighboring evacuees, incorporate rehabilitative activity into daily life. Explain the benefits of activities such as walking/ exercise on health, and promote them. Sn leave patient calmly watching TV.
SN instructed patient about how you will need to continue these exercises at home.When you are able to perform certain tasks, such as getting out of bed alone and using the bathroom, you will be able to go home. You may need to use a cane or walker for a short period of time after your operation.