catheter-teaching-guide
Instructed patient assess bowel sounds in all 4 quadrants, assess effluent from ostomy. Empty pouch when 1/3-1/2 full, assess abdomen, report any abnormal findings immediately.
SN educated patient on Bupropion. This medication is used to treat major depression. This medication works by helping to restore the balance of natural chemicals in the brain. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food. If nausea occurs, you may take this drug with food. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Swallow tablets whole. Since this drug may cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take near bedtime. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion will increase your risk of having a seizure. side effects may include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, flushing, headache/migraine, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, strange taste in mouth, weakness, drowsiness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Patient voiced understanding.
SN instructed patient/ CG about laxatives. Laxatives should be taken as ordered. Drink plenty of fluids. Overuse of laxatives can cause constipation.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition in which the bronchioles (breathing tubes) leading to the lung develop thickened membranes that secrete large amounts of sputum and pus or in which the tine alveoli (air sacs) within the lungs become inelastic and sometimes break open and trap air. COPD causes breathing to become more difficult because air is taken in and cannot be expelled completely.
Spondylosis is a degeneration of the spinal column from any cause. The wear and tear of the spinal column is the most common cause of spondylosis. Treatment is usually conservative in nature. lifestyle modifications, chiropractic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and osteopathic care are help manage it.
SN instructed the patient about care of incision site. Patient was instructed to check the incision daily for signs and symptoms of infection like increased drainage or bleeding from the incision site, redness in or around it, foul odor or pus coming from the incision, increased swelling around the area and fever above 101.0°F or shaking chills.
SN instructed caregivers/patient on hyponatremia, which means your blood level of sodium (salt) is too low. Salt is needed for the body and brain to work. Very low blood levels of sodium can be fatal. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, fatigue, muscle cramps, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. To help prevent hyponatremia, take all medicines exactly as directed. Certain medicines can lower blood sodium levels. Have your sodium levels checked often. This is vital if you take a diuretic (medicine that helps your body get rid of water). Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Severe tiredness, Fainting, Dizziness, Loss of appetite, Nausea or vomiting, Confusion or forgetfulness, Muscle spasms, cramping, twitching Seizures, or Gait disturbances. Caregiver voiced understanding.
SN instructed patient to increase fluid intake after discharge for constipation due to anesthesia and pain medication. Patient may also try warm prune juice, stool softener (Senokot) or magnesium citrate.
SN reviewed patients medication with primary caregiver and instruct on medication compliance to better control the patients disease process. SN refilled patient’s medication box for daily routine implementation during visit.
Instructed patient that PCP only receives one snapshot of vitals signs including BP, and stressed importance of maintaining BP log so that PCP may adjust as needed.