diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis
General
Instructed caregiver persons with mental retardation are living longer and integrating into their communities. Primary medical care of persons with mental retardation should involve continuity of care, maintenance of comprehensive treatment documentation, routine periodic health screening, and an understanding of the unique medical and behavioral disorders common to this population. Office visits can be successful if physicians familiarize patients with the office and staff, plan for difficult behaviors, and administer mild sedation when appropriate. Some syndromes that cause mental retardation have specific medical and behavioral features. Health issues in these patients include respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disorders, challenging behaviors, and neurologic conditions. Some commonly overlooked health concerns are sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, and end-of-life decisions.
SN assessment done on all body systems. Checked blood sugar daily monitoring on patient's log book, hydration, dietary, and medication compliance. Instructed patient on keeping blood glucose within normal range and preventing the development of long-term complication. Careful monitoring of diet, exercise and blood sugar levels are as important as the use of oral medications in preventing complications of diabetes. Also taught infection control, safety/fall precautions and preventions, and to contact MD for any emergency and/or medical concerns and changes.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Post signs in every room where oxygen is in use. Make sure that absolutely no smoking occurs in the home or in the car when oxygen is in use. Secure an oxygen cylinder to a solidly fixed object to avoid creating a missile out of the tank. This might happen if it was accidentally knocked over and gas was allowed to escape. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Be familiar with the equipment and the safety checks established by the medical equipment provider. Keep their contact telephone numbers, and the numbers for other emergency services, posted near a phone. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working. Have fresh batteries installed. Perform monthly checks. Have a fire extinguisher available in the home as well ( Use type ABC ). Create and practice an escape and rescue plan in the event of a fire. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
Sn instructed patient on ways to prevent Urinary tract infection ( UTI ). If the patient is elderly be careful with cleaning, be sure that the perineal area is being cleansed properly. Women should always wipe themselves from the front to the back. If you are tending to perineal care, take steps to ensure that you always wipe your starting in front of the urethra and wiping towards the anus. Before wiping the area again, fold the rag to a clean section. The idea is that residue from the anus should never be dragged toward or against the urethra. Patients that wear adult diapers, or briefs, should be changed on a regular basis. They should be checked every two hours or so and they should never be allowed to sit in dirty briefs for prolonged periods. You should also wiped and cleansed after every brief change and bowel movement. Douches should never be used. The right drinks - what you drink can make a difference. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can irritate the bladder and should be avoided as much as possible. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient what lifestyle choices can help me feel my best: Stay active. If you are not active, your symptoms are likely to worsen quickly. Walking, and other types of physical activity help maintain your strength and improve your mood. Physical activity also helps you manage your weight. Eat heart-healthy foods and limit sodium (salt An easy way to do this is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer canned and processed foods.
SN instructed that the Loss of appetite can be a serious problem; it can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss. Eating enough of the right kinds of foods can be difficult when you do not feel like eating at all. Here are some tips to help you increase your appetite: Avoid drinking liquids before a meal, because they can fill you up. If you want to drink, then drink juices or milk—something nutritious. Eat with family or friends if possible. Eat a variety of foods. Spice up your food with herbs, spices, and sauces. Use butter, bacon bits, croutons, wine sauces, and marinades to provide taste-pleasing meals. Do not fill up on salads or “diet” foods. Eat vegetables and fruits along with meats, poultry, and fish to make sure you get enough calories and nutrition. Eat smaller meals more often, especially if you fill up before you’ve eaten all your dinner.
SN instructed patient on non pharmacological pain management like massage, a lot of people find relief from gentle massage. Several studies have found that massage is effective in relieving pain and other symptoms for people with serious illness. Relaxation techniques like guided imagery, breathing techniques, and gentle movement like rom exercises. Relaxation techniques are often very effective, particularly when a patient / caregiver is feeling anxious. Physical therapy if a person has been active before and is now confined to bed, even just moving the hands and feet a little bit can help. Pet therapy if you have bouts of pain that last 5, 10, or 15 minutes, trying to find something pleasant like petting an animal soft fur to distract and relax yourself can be helpful. Gel packs, these are simple packs that can be warmed or chilled and used to ease localized pain.
SN instructed patient on the diabetes. Make wise food choices. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, and low - fat dairy products. Learn when to eat and how much to have.Be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days, such as taking a brisk walk as tolerated. Two times a week do activities to strengthen muscles and bone, such as lifting weights or sit - ups. Reach and stay at a healthy weight. Making wise food choices and being active can help you control your weight. Take your medicines as prescribed and keep taking them, even after you’ve reached your targets.
SN instructed that the joint that is damaged by injury or disease can be removed and replaced with a new one. There are times when only a part of the joint needs to be replaced or repaired. Your healthcare provider may try other treatments before joint replacement surgery, such as steroid injections or medicines. Pain relief and increased function are the goals of joint replacement. Knee, hip, and shoulder joints are the most common joints replaced. Joints in your elbows, fingers, and ankles can also be repaired or replaced. Your risk of infection, bleeding, and blood clots increase with surgery. You may be allergic to the material used in your new joint. Nerves, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels near your joint may become damaged during surgery. The new joint may loosen or come out of the socket. Sn instructed patient on symptoms / signs ( S/S ) of infection such as fever, drainage, swelling, redness. Patient recalls back partial teaching of redness. Patient instructed to report any symptoms should they occur to physician / nurse ( MD / SN ).
Instructed patient t other S/S of cardiac complications requiring medical intervention such as: increased SOB, palpitations, irregular heart beat, faintness, and weakness. Replace butter and margarine with heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil. Other heart-healthy foods include walnuts, fatty fish like salmon and tuna, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, and lean meats. Ask your caregiver how much salt you can eat each day. Avoid salt substitutes.