DIABETES
Instructed to maintain a diabetic record of blood sugars and any untoward reactions. Record should include date, time, and any other pertinent information.
Instructed in accurate preparation of insulin syringes using aseptics techniques.
Instructed in site to use for subcutaneous injection, and the importance of rotating these sites.
Instructed in proper subcutaneous injection technique, using asepsis.
Instructed in use of home glucose monitor, to ensure accuracy of results.
Instructed in proper care and maintenance of home glucose monitor.
Instructed in S/S of hypoglycemia, including cold sweat, shaking, blurred vision, faintness, hunger, headache, confused thinking and impatience. Instructed if these S/S occur to take fast acting sugar, such as orange juice with sugar or glucose tablets.
Instructed patient about factors that increase risk for pneumonia, such as smoking and air pollution, upper respiratory infections, prolonged immobility, malnutrition; chronic diseases: diabetes, cancer, renal disease, cardiac disease; exposure to cold, damp weather, inhalation of noxious substances, use of immunosuppressive drugs; age: very young or very old, frequent intoxication from alcohol.
Instructed patient about the importance of seeing an ophthalmologist immediately if any of the S/S occur: blurred or double vision, narrowed field of vision, seeing dark spots, pressured feeling or pain in the eyes and difficulty seeing in dim light.
Instructed diabetic patient about the possible complications of kidney disease. Even though early kidney damage has no symptoms; there is a blood test called Microalbumin now available to detect early diabetic kidney damage while still reversible.
