bedbound-patients
Instructed caregiver how to prevent Pressure Ulcers for Bed bound patients: Take care of the Skin Inspect the skin at least once every day. Pay attention to any red areas that remain even after changing position.
Instructed caregiver how to prevent Pressure Ulcers for Bed bound patients: Protect the Skin patient from injury - Avoid massaging the skin on bony parts of the patient body. Limit pressure on bony areas by changing positions frequently. If the patient in a bed, preferably every 2 hours.
SN reviewed patients medication with primary caregiver and instruct on medication compliance to better control the patients disease process. SN refilled patient’s medication box for daily routine implementation during visit. SN informed M.D. of patients elevated blood pressure and no new orders received, SN was advised to continue with patients current regimen.
SN instructed patient about Gabapentin ( Neurontin ). It is a medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and hot flashes. It is also used for restless leg syndrome. It is a first line agent for the treatment of neuropathic pain arising from diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain. Most common side effects of gabapentin in adult patients include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and peripheral edema. It may also produce sexual dysfunction in some patients, symptoms of which may include loss of libido, inability to reach sexual climax, and erectile dysfunction. It should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment due to possible accumulation and toxicity. Warning of an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients taking gabapentin. Report to Physician or nurse if any of those side effect / adverse reaction occurs.
Sn educated caregiver on Hoyer Lift, when a patient is in a bed, roll them on their side toward you. Roll patient away from you onto their other side and pull sling flat and center it under patient. Position arm of hoyer lift over patient. Attach hooks and adjust links to provide proper position and flex. Before attempting to raise the patient, check to make sure that the hydraulic pressure release knob located near the pump handle is completely closed. Understanding was verbalized.
SN taught patient on sleeping with LVAD, and it was explained that many LVAD patients actually find that they’re able to sleep more comfortably with their LVAD than they did before because they’re feeling better and breathing more easily. There are, however, two major ways that having an LVAD affects your sleep routine: You may not be able to sleep on your stomach. Stomach sleeping can compress or pull on the driveline. Sleeping on your back is the best option, although some LVAD patients find it comfortable to sleep on their sides. You’ll also need to make sure that the driveline doesn’t get tangled in clothing or blankets. At first, sleeping with the LVAD may feel awkward, but most patients get used to it after a few days. Understanding was verbalized.
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.
SN instructed patient that lovaza is approved in the U.S. for treatment of patients with very high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia). Lovaza is indicated for: Hypertriglyceridemia, used as monotherapy , or in combination with a statin for patients with mixed dyslipidemia. Also as a secondary prevention after myocardial infarction. Infrequent side effects of lovaza: burping, indigestion, rash, taste problem. Rare side effects of Lovaza: blood clotting disorder. Life threatening allergic reaction, abnormal liver function tests, Itching.
SN instructed patient about drug Cilostazol, trade name: Pletal. Is a medication for the treatment of intermittent claudication (pain in your calves when walking), a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. Cilostazol reduces the pain of intermittent claudication by dilating the arteries, thereby improving the flow of blood and oxygen to the legs. It also reduces the ability of blood to clot. Cilostazol enables patients with intermittent claudication to walk longer and faster before developing pain. Cilostazol is a quinolinone-derivative medication that inhibits platelet aggregation and is a direct arterial vasodilator. Its main effects are dilation of the arteries supplying blood to the legs and decreasing platelet coagulation. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Apixaban ( Eliquis ) is a anticoagulant for the treatment of venous thromboembolic events. It is indicated for the following: to lower the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) prophylaxis. DVT's may lead to pulmonary embolism ( PE ) in knee or hip replacement surgery patients, treatment of both DVT and PE, to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE after initial therapy. Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding and may cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding. Concurrent use with drugs affecting hemostasis ( e.g. other anticoagulants, heparin, aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) can further increase the risk of bleeding.