shortness of breath
Procedures
Instructed patient call your nurse right away if you have any of the following: Signs of infection at the catheter site (pain, redness, drainage, burning, or stinging) Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, a racing or irregular heartbeat. Call your nurse right away if you have any of the following: Muscle stiffness or trouble moving, gurgling noises coming from the catheter, the catheter falls out, breaks, cracks, leaks, or has other damage.
SN educated caregiver on Hypertensive urgency which is a situation where the blood pressure is severely elevated or higher for your diastolic pressure an that experiencing hypertensive urgency may or may not experience one or more of these symptoms: severe headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and severe anxiety, chest pain, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, difficulty speaking do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. SN advised caregiver to seek immediately medical assistance and/or call 9-1-1 if listed above occurs or worsen with patient. Caregiver verbalized understanding of all teachings during visit.
Instructed patient When to seek medical care: Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Pain or burning in your shoulder, chest, back, arm, or leg, Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, chills, signs of infection at the catheter site (pain, redness, drainage, burning, or stinging), Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Instructed patient contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever, chills, redness, bleeding, irregular heart beat, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or dizziness. Report redness, swelling, increased drainage or excessive pain at the surgical incision.
SN instructed patient that fluid restrictions are usually necessary when dialysis is initiated, especially if dialysis only occurs three days a week and if urine production is decreased. Build up of fluid can lead to shortness of breath, swelling, and high blood pressure. There is a limit to the amount of fluid that can be safely removed during dialysis. If fluid limits are exceeded and extra water must be removed, negative effects such as muscle cramping, low blood pressure leading to nausea, weakness, dizziness, and possibly extra dialysis sessions to remove the fluid.
PICC line removal Education provided on site care following PICC line removal: positioning, keep dressing clean, dry and intact 24 hrs, do not lift over 5 lbs, report immediately S&S complications to on call RN: fever; chills;redness at site, swelling or purulent drainage at site, bruising or bleeding at site, increased shortness of breath.
Instructed patient call your doctor if you have:fever or chills, redness, swelling, or pain that is getting worse, bleeding or drainage from the hole, cough or shortness of breath, even after you suction your tube, nausea or vomiting, any new or unusual symptoms.
SN instructed patient Patients with LVADs experience many physical and emotional changes. Although there are many physiological benefits (increased energy, reduced shortness of breath), patients may become depressed or even suicidal. Many patients feel socially isolated and express frustration over loss of control and dependency on family and caregivers. Others may be afraid of their device.
Instructed patient stop any activity immediately if you feel short of breath, notice irregular heart beats, feel faint or dizzy, or have chest pain. Rest until the symptoms subside. If they do not subside within 20 minutes, notify your doctor.
Instructed patient Lifting: You should not put too much strain on your sternum while it is healing. Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavier than 10 pounds for six weeks after surgery. This includes carrying children, groceries,suitcases, mowing the grass, vacuuming, and moving furniture. Don’t hold your breath during any activity, especially when lifting anything or when using the rest
