confusion
Diseases Process
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.
Patient was instructed to drink adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sports drinks and fruit juices are helpful too, but they don't provide the ideal balance of water, sugar, and salt. However, drinking more fluid than your body can process can reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in your blood. In the elderly, your body's fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. Symptoms are: extreme thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, patient verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient/ caregiver that Bradycardia can be a serious problem if the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. For some people, however, bradycardia doesn't cause symptoms or complications.SN explained that If you have bradycardia, your brain and other organs might not get enough oxygen, possibly causing these symptoms: Near-fainting or fainting (syncope) Dizziness or lightheadedness, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Chest pains, Confusion or memory problems, Easily tiring during physical activity.If you faint, have difficulty breathing or have chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, get emergency care or call 911 or your local emergency number.
Instructed patient on signs and symptoms of CVA , sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes,sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.If you have any of these symptoms call 911, it is critical that a stroke victim receive evaluation and proper treatment quickly to minimize the injury to the brain tissue.
Patient recently discharge from acute hospital s/p intracranial hemorrhage and SN educated patient on s/s such as Weakness., Tingling, weakness, or paralysis (loss of movement) on one side of the body. Difficulty speaking, disorientation and confusion, loss of or change in vision, difficulty swallowing, change in level of consciousness (alertness) and advised patient and caregiver to contact medical professional if any noted.