bedbound-patient
Instructed patient to never go barefoot or wear thigh garters. Do not wear thigh worn boots for long periods of times. Never let feet get dry and cracked, severe infections may develop. Do not use hot water pads, iodine, hot water bottles or rubbing alcohol. Never use razors, knives or corn remedies.
Instructed patient to wash feet daily and dry them carefully, especially between toes.
Instructed patient to check feet by looking between toes use a mirror if necessary or have a friend or relative to check them daily. Look for blisters, redness, cuts, breaks, and scratches and report immediately if any of these occur.
Instructed patient to check feet's temperature. If they feel cold or hot, something could be wrong.
Instructed patient to avoid soaking feet into hot water (Test water before use).
Instructed patient about the importance of avoiding getting sick. Seasonal viruses such as common cold, flu and other illnesses may cause DM episodes to increase in frequency and severity.
Instructed patient to contact doctor if any of the following occur: an illness lasting one or two days without improvement; vomiting/diarrhea that continue longer than 6 hours, blood tests that continue to run higher that 240 after taking medications, S/S of high blood sugar.
Instructed patient to avoid alcohol consumption while taking DM medications as it may cause dangerous reactions.
Instructed patient on monitoring DM, for example: testing blood sugar levels at least 3 times a day.
Instructed patient to talk to MD regarding on how to drink alcohol safely, once in a while.