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Diseases Process
SN instructed caregiver that symptoms of low blood pressure may include: blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, fainting (syncope), lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, sleepiness, weakness. Treatment depends on the cause of your low blood pressure and your symptoms. If any symptoms from a drop in blood pressure, lie patient down right away, then raise patient's feet above heart level.
Patient was instructed on hypertension. Other possible risk factors of high blood pressure include: low intake of potassium, magnesium and calcium. Sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing, depression, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol or low HDL (good cholesterol), diabetes.
Patient was instructed on how to avoid hypoglycemia. Choose high fiber, low sugar bedtime snacks such as two graham crackers with 1/2 cup skim milk. Avoid eating excessive amounts of high sugar foods, which will make the blood sugar spike then plummets. When the blood sugar falls after a sugar high it tends to drop dramatically low.
Patient and caregiver instructed that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
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.
Instructed patient caregiver Loss of appetite, drowsiness, and leg cramps may be signs of sodium loss. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath may be signs of potassium loss. Dehydration, low sodium, and low potassium can all be dangerous and should be treated right away. Call your doctor or 911 right away if you are dizzy, weak, or having other serious symptoms.
Instructed patient how is chronic kidney disease treated. Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Keep a healthy blood pressure. Follow a low-salt, low-fat diet. Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Keep a healthy weight. Do not smoke or use tobacco.
Instructed in knowing what to do if symptoms of low blood sugar occur: eat some form of glucose or carbohydrate, notify physician or go to emergency room if symptoms persist.
Instructed in how to recognize signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as fatigue, headache, drowsiness, tremors, pale, moist skin, hunger anxiety, impared vision, etc.
Instructed patient about how the thyroid hormone helps regulate metabolism. When this hormone is abnormally low the energy production decreases, disrupting many vital functions.