alzheimers-disease
Diseases Process
SN instructed patient and caregiver about Lymphedema disease, also known as lymphatic obstruction. Is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which normally returns interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct and then the bloodstream. The condition can be inherited or can be caused by a birth defect, though it is frequently caused by cancer treatments, and by parasitic infections. Though incurable and progressive, a number of treatments can ameliorate symptoms. Tissues with lymphedema are at high risk of infection. Symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness or fullness, edema and ( occasionally ) aching pain in the affected area. In advanced lymphedema, there may be the presence of skin changes such as discoloration, verrucous ( wart-like ) hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and papillomatosis; and eventually deformity ( elephantiasis ). Patient verbalized understanding the teaching.
SN instructed patient and caregiver about Lymphedema disease. Lymphedema may be inherited ( primary ) or caused by injury to the lymphatic vessels ( secondary ). It is most frequently seen after lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, in which damage to the lymphatic system is caused during the treatment of cancer, most notably breast cancer. In many patients with cancer, this condition does not develop until months or even years, after therapy has concluded. Lymphedema may also be associated with accidents or certain diseases or problems that may inhibit the lymphatic system from functioning properly. In tropical areas of the world, a common cause of secondary lymphedema is filariasis, a parasitic infection. It can also be caused by a compromising of the lymphatic system resulting from cellulitis. Patient verbalized understanding the teaching.
RN instructed patient about medication Famotidine that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus. RN instructed patient to swallow the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water. RN also explained about side effects of treatment such as: hives, skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. RN instructed to call Physician immediately if any of these signs or symptoms appear. Patient and caregiver voiced understanding of all instructions given.
SN instructed patient on high blood pressure. The high blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that the stroke occurs when a clot or a torn blood vessel in the brain stops blood from reaching a part of the brain. Damage to that part of the brain from lack of blood and oxygen can cause various signs and symptoms of stroke, such as facial drooping, numbness and paralysis. Although anyone can have a stroke, your risk increases if you're male, over age 65, or have one of these conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes. Being overweight, smoking, abusing drugs or alcohol, and taking birth control pills increase risk, too. African - Americans, people who are Hispanic or Asian, and those with a close relative who's had a stroke are also at higher risk.
SN teaching patient Ventolin HFA ( albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol ) is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease. Ventolin HFA is also used to prevent exercise - induced bronchospasm.
SN explain that Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can not pump the amount of blood the body needs. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It indicates that the heart can not pump blood the way it should. It can affect one or both sides of the heart the weakening of the pumping capacity of the heart causes: Accumulation of blood and fluid in the lungs Accumulation of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs called edema Tiredness and shortness of breath The most common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is most common in people over 65, African - Americans, overweight people, and people who have already had a heart attack. Men are at greater risk than women.
SN instructed patient on ways to avoid acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) by recognizing early warning signs and then taking action to stop them in their tracks. The best way to do this is to work with your health care provider on an action plan so you know what to do to treat an exacerbation before it becomes serious. SN instructed on early warning signs of an acute exacerbation: Wheezing or more wheezing than what’s normal for you, coughing more than usual, shortness of breath that is worse than usual, an increase in the amount of mucus, change in the color of your mucus to yellow, green, tan, or bloody, shallow or rapid breathing, more than what’s normal for you, fever, confusion or excessive sleepiness, and swelling in your feet or ankles. Patient nods head in understanding. Sn will continue to monitor.
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.
SN instructed patient / Caregiver that clients with kidney disease should engage in activities that will improve their overall health. For example, exercise has been known to improve overall health, mental outlook, and control blood sugar. SN suggested that a good option would be to start a simple exercise program.