blood
SN instructed patient on Humalog 75-25, stated that it is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood
sugar in people with diabetes. This product is a combination of two man - made insulins: intermediate - acting insulin lispro protamine and rapid - acting insulin lispro. This combination starts working faster and lasts for a longer time than regular insulin. Insulin is a natural substance that allows the body to properly use sugar from the diet. It replaces the insulin that your body no longer produces, thereby lowering your blood
sugar. Controlling high blood
sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. SN also instructed that pain, redness, swelling or itching at the injection site may occur. These effects usually go away after a few days or weeks. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
SN instructed patient that High blood
pressure makes your heart work harder than it needed to before. Over the space of many years, this extra effort can lead to the heart muscle becoming thicker and less effective at pushing the blood
round. This allows fluid to build up in your lower legs and ankles, which causes them to swell up.
SN explained that the Diabetes can affect the small blood
vessels of the body that supply the skin with blood
. Changes to the blood
vessels because of diabetes can cause a skin condition called diabetic dermopathy. This appears as scaly patches that are light brown or red, often on the front of the legs.
SN explained that the symptoms / signs of congestive heart failure ( CHF ) may include: Shortness of breath ( also called dyspnea ) most commonly during activity, at rest, or while sleeping, which may come on suddenly and wake you up. You often have difficulty breathing while lying flat and may need to prop up the upper body and head on two pillows. You often complain of waking up tired or feeling anxious and restless. Blood
backs up in the pulmonary veins ( the vessels that return blood
from the lungs to the heart ) because the heart can't keep up with the supply. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs. Persistent coughing or wheezing, coughing that produces white or pink blood
- tinged mucus. Fluid builds up in the lungs. Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues ( edema ) swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain. You may find that your shoes feel tight.
Sn Instructed on importance in logging blood
pressure daily to ensure medication treatment is working and to manage medical condition. Instruction to log at about the same time daily. Instructions on parameters and when to call physician / nurse. Instruction given to take log to physician's apt to show physician ( MD ) his blood
pressure readings. Patient / caregiver verbalized understanding
SN explained that the Chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ) can’t be cured, but you can control leg swelling to reduce the likelihood of ulcers ( sores ). Recognizing the symptoms Be aware of the following: If you stand or sit with your feet down for long periods, your legs may ache or feel heavy. Swollen ankles are possibly the most common symptom of Chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ). As swelling increases, the skin over your ankles may show red spots or a brownish tinge. The skin may feel leathery or scaly, and may start to itch. If swelling is not controlled, an ulcer ( open wound ) may form. What you can do Reduce your risk of developing ulcers by doing the following: Increase blood
flow back to your heart by elevating your legs, exercising daily, and wearing elastic stockings. Boost blood
flow in your legs by losing excess weight. If you must stand or sit in one place for a period of time, keep your blood
moving by wiggling your toes, shifting your body position, and rising up on the balls of your feet. Pt verbalizes understanding.
SN instructed patient on medication Torsemide. This medication is used to treat high blood
pressure and edema ( fluid retention, excess fluid held in body tissues ) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, or liver disease. In addition to taking this medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood
pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking and using alcohol in moderation. To help you remember to take torsemide, take it around the same time every day. Torsemide controls high blood
pressure and edema but does not cure these conditions. SN instructed to patient to continue to take torsemide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking torsemide without talking to your doctor. Common side effects of Torsemide includes: Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or sitting up, excessive urination, constipation, headache and nausea.
SN instructed caregivers/patient on hyponatremia, which means your blood
level of sodium (salt) is too low. Salt is needed for the body and brain to work. Very low blood
levels of sodium can be fatal. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, fatigue, muscle cramps, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. To help prevent hyponatremia, take all medicines exactly as directed. Certain medicines can lower blood
sodium levels. Have your sodium levels checked often. This is vital if you take a diuretic (medicine that helps your body get rid of water). Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Severe tiredness, Fainting, Dizziness, Loss of appetite, Nausea or vomiting, Confusion or forgetfulness, Muscle spasms, cramping, twitching Seizures, or Gait disturbances. Caregiver voiced understanding.
SN educated patient/caregiver about CKD. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood
the way they should. The main risk factors for developing kidney disease are diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney failure. You can take steps to protect your kidneys. The most important step you can take to treat kidney disease is to control your blood
pressure. Healthy habits can also help you manage your kidney disease.
SN instructed patient that having diabetes means you often need to make decisions about your care. The more you know about diabetes and how your daily activities affect your blood
glucose levels, the easier it is to make wise decisions. Testing your blood
glucose and keeping good track of your readings is essential to know how different activities, food, medication and stress levels affect your blood
glucose readings.