medications
General
Instructed patient a clean, dry work area should be identified to complete medication preparations and perform dressing changes.
SN instructed patient and/or caregiver on importance to follow medication regimen exactly as ordered by Md without skipping any doses, nor sharing with others.
SN instructed caregiver that Alzheimer’s disease progresses and a loss of appetite often becomes apparent. Primary caregiver may notice that the patient does not eat as much or refuses to eat at all. Possible causes of a poor appetite include: inability to recognize food, poorly fitting dentures, certain medications, lack of physical activity, diminished sense of smell and taste.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on strategies that can significantly help decrease the risk of a fall such as: skid-proof mats or strips in the shower and bathtub, removal of furniture that can slip away if grabbed accidentally for support, supportive non-slip footwear and not walking in stocking feet. SN also instructed on side effects of most medications taking that could possibly cause dizziness and to report it so that it can be addressed by physician. Patient and caregiver voiced understanding of all instructions given.
SN educated patient on the importance of daily vital sign monitoring. Due to patients disease processes it is important to monitor blood pressure, weight, pulse and oxygen daily if equipment is available. SN instructed patient to weigh correctly they need to wake up, pee and than weigh daily at the same time if possible, same amount of clothing, same area. Patient is to weigh prior to eating/drinking in the morning. Notify home health or PCP if -/+ 3 lbs in a day or +/-5 lbs in a week is seen. SN educated patient to monitor blood pressure and pulse, and instructed to check before medications and if elevated/low recheck in 1-2 hours. SN educated patient to always log vitals so patients MD has a larger snap shot on what is going on.Patient/CG verbalized understanding
Instructed patient to remember that shorter "trips" take planning too: Any time you leave your home whether it’s a one-hour drive to visit friends or a ten-minute walk to get groceries you will need to bring your backup controller and power sources with you, plus any medications you’re scheduled to take. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient that for healthy living with your LVAD, you’ll need to make sure that: the equipment is working properly,you have sufficient power sources at all times, your driveline exit site is clean and dry, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, as you’re able to tolerate it, are taking your medications and supplements as directed by your doctor. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient 1 in 4 heart attack and stroke survivors has another. Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol, making healthy lifestyle choices and taking medications like aspirin as recommended by your doctor, may help lower your risk of a second event.