bedbound-patient
Instructed patient about S/S of osteoarthritis, such as, aching pain which increases with activity and is usually relieved with rest, stiffness upon rising, fatigue, decreased exercise tolerance, crepitus, restriction of joint movement and others.
Instructed patient about how when suffering from osteoarthritis the weight-bearing larger joints, including those of the hips, knees, neck and lower spine are the most commonly affected. The small finger joints can be involved too.
Instructed patient about how in many cases this condition produces some amount of short-lived discomfort that disappears within a year. Limited and minor pain of osteoarthritis may occur at intervals of a few months or a year and can be treated putting the joint to rest, applying heat and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
Instructed patient on how the severe and persistent pain caused by osteoarthritis may be treated with prescription painkillers. Corticosteriod medications can be injected into a painful joint to relieve discomfort, but this procedure carries the risk of damaging the joint cartilage if performed too frequently.
Instructed patient on how resting often, sleeping on a firm mattress, staying warm and applying heat to the affected joint can help ease symptoms. Adequate nutrition, including vitamin supplements is often advised.
Instructed patient on how an internal or permanent pacemaker is implanted in the chest wall to control the heartbeat for years.
Instructed patient about dehydration. Common symptoms are: dry mouth, poor skin tugor, dry, flushed skin, decreased urine output, sunken eyes and weak, rapid pulse.
Instructed patient about how a stroke can result from the damage that ongoing high blood pressure causes in the body vessels. If the affected vessel stops supplying blood to the brain, as a result a stroke occurs.
Instructed patient on how when blood presses against a vessel wall with too much force, muscles in the wall lose their stretch. This causes the wall to thicken, which narrows the vessel passage and reduces blood flow.
Instructed patient about the damage that high blood pressure can cause to the vessels walls. Fat and cholesterol collect in the damage spots forming a plaque. Blood cells stick to the plaque, forming a mass called a clot. A clot can block blood flow in the vessel.