diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
Instructed caregiver you can take these steps to reduce patient's risks of urinary tract infections: wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a patient's bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra. Caregiver verbalized.
Instructed caregiver increase the patient's water intake. An increase in fluids can help flush out the urinary tract and put you on the road to recovery. Just make sure you're drinking wanter and avoid any sugary or caffeinated drinks. Patient verbalized.
Instructed patient once you empty your drainage, clean your hands again and check the area around your insertion site for: tenderness, swelling, pus, warmth, more redness than usual. Sometimes the drain causes redness about the size of a dime at your insertion site and this is normal.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on measures to prevent constipation: increasing fluids (prefer approx. 8 glasses of water daily) eating a diet high in fiber, and avoiding foods with sugars (pasta, pastries, cheese, rice, etc.), exercise regularly at a slow, steady pace, as directed by md if you are able. Both parties verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on medication diazepam, explained that this should be used during times of anxiety. Advised it can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, it increases the patient fall risk as well. Both parties verbalized understanding.
Sn instructed patient and caregiver about blood pressure and home monitoring. Explained the blood pressure measures the amount of force blood places on the blood vessels in the body. A blood pressure reading includes two numbers that indicate the pressure inside the arteries as the blood flows through the body. The upper number, called the systolic pressure, measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart contracts to pump blood. The lower number, called the diastolic pressure, is the pressure inside the artery as the heart rests between each beat. Both parties verbalized understanding.
SN assessed portacath insertion site every visit. SN instructed s/sx to report to SN / MD such as redness, pain, puffiness around port, drainage from insertion site, temperature above 100 degrees, shortness of breath and chest pain. Sn instructed on portacath care and protection of the skin over the port.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on how to stop a nosebleed. Make a thumbs up with hand on same side as nose bleed. Press side of nose that is bleeding closed and tilt head slightly down to prevent blood from going down into throat. Stay still for 5-10 minutes then gently release. Refrain from blowing nose or putting a tissue in nose x 24 hours. If bleeding does not stop seek medical attention.
SN provided teaching regarding hypokalemia. Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells. S/s include weakness, muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and constipation. SN instructed that patient should report any of these to her nurse promptly. Verbal understanding noted.
SN instructed patient on how to get plenty of rest and sleep. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. Find healthy ways to deal with stress. Exercise daily. Get plenty of sleep. Eat regularly and well. Patient verbalized understanding.