fall safety
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Post signs in every room where oxygen is in use. Make sure that absolutely no smoking occurs in the home or in the car when oxygen is in use. Secure an oxygen cylinder to a solidly fixed object to avoid creating a missile out of the tank. This might happen if it was accidentally knocked over and gas was allowed to escape. Use caution with oxygen tubing so you do not trip over it or become entangled in furniture. Be familiar with the equipment and the safety checks established by the medical equipment provider. Keep their contact telephone numbers, and the numbers for other emergency services, posted near a phone. Do not try to repair broken equipment on your own. Request this service from the oxygen provider. Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working. Have fresh batteries installed. Perform monthly checks. Have a fire extinguisher available in the home as well ( Use type ABC ). Create and practice an escape and rescue plan in the event of a fire. Notify the local fire department, gas and electric companies and telephone company when home oxygen therapy is started. Request a "priority service listing". This is for those times when there is a power or telephone failure or repairs are needed on any utility.
Anticonvulsants should not be discontinued abruptly because of the possibility of increasing seizure frequency; therapy should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency, unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal.
Instructed patient to remember that shorter "trips" take planning too: Any time you leave your home whether it’s a one-hour drive to visit friends or a ten-minute walk to get groceries you will need to bring your backup controller and power sources with you, plus any medications you’re scheduled to take. Understanding was verbalized.
Patient was explained that having a nephrostomy tube in for a long time increases the risk of getting an infection. Nephrostomy tube care focuses on preventing infection. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.. understanding was verbalized
Instructed patient It recommended that you safety pin the drainage bottle to your clothing during the day and to your clothes during the night. Allow enough slack to Prevent the tube from being pulled do up or from pulling on the drain sutures.
Patient instructed on safety with medications to include: do not stop or adjust medications without consulting prescriber, store medications in a cool/dry place, keep medications out of reach of children, do not remove prescription labels or mix multiple medications in one bottle.
SN instructed on check the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) each time you assess the patient’s vital signs. You will hear the continuous humming sound of the pump when auscultating the heart. Make sure the battery-charging station is plugged into the wall and at least two spare batteries are in the charge station; a green light indicates a full charge. Additional safety checks include assessing the driveline to ensure it’s securely in place and confirming there’s a backup system controller in the room.
Instructed patient to keep appliances cords out of areas where you walk.
Instructed patient to place a night-light along the route between the bedroom and bathroom.
Caregiver and/or patient instructed to place a rubber mat or adhesive texture strips on the bottom of the bathtub and/or shower to prevent falls.