falls-precautions
SN instructed patient / caregiver about a few simple precautions that can be taken to create a safe home environment when using oxygen. Oxygen canisters should be kept at least 5 - 10 feet away from gas stoves, lighted fireplaces, wood stoves, candles or other sources of open flames. Do not use electric razors while using oxygen ( These are a possible source of sparks ). Do not use oil, grease or petroleum - based products on the equipment. Do not use it near you while you use oxygen. These materials are highly flammable and will burn readily with the presence of oxygen. Avoid petroleum - based lotions or creams, like Vaseline, on your face or upper chest. Check the ingredients of such products before purchase. If a skin moisturizer is needed, consider using cocoa butter, aloe vera or other similar products. For lubrication or rehydration of dry nasal passages, use water - based products. Your pharmacist or care provider can suggest these.
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.
Patient instructed on risk for internal bleeding R/T taking Warfarin. Any s/s of an internal bleed include: abdominal pain, black, tarry or bright red stool, coffee ground emesis, coughing up blood, unusual dark purple large bruising, & bloody urine. Patient should to seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
Skilled received patient sitting on the chair, noted difficulty when patient was trying to get up with the crutches, patient is at risk for fall. SN instructed pt to avoid sitting on low chair or chair without a hand rest for support in order to prevent fall.
Discharge planning initiated on today's visit. Reviewed with patient /PCG s/s of disease exacerbation that need to be reported to health care providers including steps on what to do in an event of an emergency. Medication pill box set up checked and emphasized the importance of timely refill of medications to prevent missing or skipping doses, pain management, continue following prescribed diet regimen. Re-instructed on infection control measures and practicing standard precautions, most importantly, frequent proper hand washing to prevent disease complications.
Instructed patient that certain medications you might be taking, including Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium Tablets), also require special nutritional precautions. Your doctor or LVAD coordinator can provide you with detailed nutritional guidelines for your particular situation. Understanding was verbalized.
SN instruction patient and care giver on fall prevention starts with creating a safe living space. Clean up clutter. Repair or remove tripping hazards. Avoid wearing loose clothing. Light it right. Wear shoes.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diazepam can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment or for people who've had problems with drug or alcohol abuse. This high risk benzodiazepine should never be taken more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed due to risk of overdose. S/s overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, lethargy and respiratory depression and even death in severe cases, especially when combined with EtOH or opiates. Patient and caregiver state they will only administer this medication as prescribed.
SN instructed about aspiration precautions. Consume honey thick liquids. Do not use a straw to drink fluid. Sit straight up when eating or drinking, have supervision with meals, do not eat alone. Sit up at least 1/2 hour after a meal.
Patient and caregiver instructed on precautions regarding medications like always check expirations date on medications, and dispose of expired meds, take all meds exactly as ordered. Never share medications with friends or family members or take medications that are not prescribed for you, keep medications out of reach of children, do not mix medications in bottles. Patient/caregiver instructed to keep an updated medication list in the home. Always take or send medication list to hospital or doctor's appointments with patient.