leg edema
Diseases Process
Instructed caregiver A.L.F's staff on relieving and preventing patient's leg edema. The first line of defense is: leg elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart which puts minimal pressure on the back of the knees and thighs and lower back. Other help to decrease swelling is limiting salt intake, drink plenty of water, avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
Instructed patient about how help decrease edema and keep it from coming back. Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. Ask your doctor about exercises you can do that may reduce swelling.
Instructed patient about how help decrease edema and keep it from coming back Compression. If one of your limbs is affected by edema, your doctor may recommend you wear compression stockings, sleeves or gloves, usually worn after your swelling has gone down, to prevent further swelling from occurring. These garments keep pressure on your limbs to prevent fluid from collecting in the tissue.
Instructed patient about how help decrease edema and keep it from coming backReduce salt intake. Follow your doctor's suggestions about limiting how much salt you consume. Salt can increase fluid retention and worsen edema.
SN instructed patient about Lymphedema disease. Lymphedema is the buildup of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. When the lymph system is working as it should, lymph flows through the body and is returned to the bloodstream. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur: Swelling of an arm or leg; which may include fingers and toes; a full or heavy feeling in an arm or leg; a tight feeling in the skin. Patient verbalized understanding the teaching.
Instructed what can you do to manage shortness of breath (SOB) share your feelings shortness of breath can make you feel worried and anxious. Share your feelings with family, friends and your health care team. Use abdominal breathing when walking up slopes, climbing stairs or standing up. To climb stairs: stand close to the stairs with one hand on the railing beside you. Breathe in as you lift your leg up. Breathe out as you place your leg on the step and raise yourself up. Change the way you eat chew your food slowly, taking breaks in between bites. Try smaller meals more often. If you are having trouble eating, ask your health care team about trying nutrition drinks.
SN instructed patient and caregiver about edema can be a cause of serious underlying medical conditions such as: congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, kidney disease, kidney damage, weakness or damage to veins in your legs, inadequate lymphatic system, severe, long-term protein deficiency.
Instructed patient about how help decrease edema and keep it from coming back. Hold the swollen part of your body above the level of your heart several times a day. In some cases, elevating the affected body part while you sleep may be helpful.
Instructed patient about how help decrease edema and keep it from coming back Massage. Stroking the affected area toward your heart using firm, but not painful, pressure may help move the excess fluid out of that area.
Instructed patient about how help decrease edema and keep it from coming back -Protection. Keep the affected area clean, moisturized and free from injury. Dry, cracked skin is more prone to scrapes, cuts and infection. Always wear protection on your feet if that's where the swelling typically occurs.