catheter-teaching-guide
Instructed patient on how hypothyroidism is a condition resulting from a deficiency of the thyroid hormone.
Instructed patient about how the thyroid hormone helps regulate metabolism. When this hormone is abnormally low the energy production decreases, disrupting many vital functions.
Instructed patient about the many causes of hypothyroidism, which are: autoimmune disorders, radioactive therapy, thyroid surgery, congenital defects, inflammation and viral infections of the thyroid gland.
Instructed SO on how symptoms differ among individuals, depending on the severity of the case: sensitivity to cold temperature, dry skin, constipation, forgetfulness, chronic fatigue, decreased heart rate, depression, hair loss, weight gain, muscle stiffness and cramping, lack of facial expression, enlarged tongue.
Instructed patient about chronic forms of hypothyroidism. These are lifelong disorders that are usually treated with synthetic forms of thyroid hormone. Dosage must be adjusted carefully to prevent hyperthyroidism.
Instructed patient about possible assistance to improve mobility, such as, a rehabilitation nurse (assists with exercises), physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc. Rehabilitation therapy services will restore patient to the highest level of functioning. Physical Therapy improve movement dysfunction. Occupational Therapy restore ability to perform necessary daily activities.
Instructed patient to perform daily exercises as taught by physical therapist to prevent muscles atrophy, decrease joint contractures and improve circulation.
Instructed patient about possible complications of urinary incontinence, such as, urinary tract infections (cloudy, foul-smelling, urine), depression and loss of self-esteem, skin breakdown, etc.
Instructed patient about factors that increase risk for pneumonia, such as smoking and air pollution, upper respiratory infections, prolonged immobility, malnutrition; chronic diseases: diabetes, cancer, renal disease, cardiac disease; exposure to cold, damp weather, inhalation of noxious substances, use of immunosuppressive drugs; age: very young or very old, frequent intoxication from alcohol.
Instructed patient about signs and symptoms of pneumonia: high fever and chills, chest pain, cough that may be productive, green, yellow or rust-colored sputum, malaise, loss of appetite, rapid pulse and rapid breathing.