bedbound-patient
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.
Instructed patient about possible causes of hypoglycemia such as too much insulin, not enough food, and overexertion or GI disturbance.
Instructed patient on possible causes of hyperglycemia such as too little insulin, too much or the wrong kind of food, infection, injury, illness, decreased activity.
Instructed patient about proper storage and disposal of equipment: checking expiration date, keeping spare bottle in refrigerator, not changing the brand, match syringe type.
Instructed patient on how to properly use testing strips: wash hands with lukewarm water and mild soap, stick side of finger (not the tip), dry finger well before procedure, change fingers every test, and use the thinnest lancet, as that will give you the best drop of blood.
Instructed patient on the use of home glucose monitor to ensure accuracy of results.
Instructed patient about basic tips to help prevent infections in people with diabetes: wear shoes or slippers at all times, wear comfortable shoes; get used to new shoes slowly and always wear 'heavy' soft cotton socks.
Instructed patient to keep feet dry, especially between toes, to use lotion to keep skin soft and moist and to keep feet clean. Wash daily with lukewarm water.
Instructed patient to cut toenails straight across. This will help to avoid ingrown toenails. Also instructed to avoid letting somebody else to cut the toenails.