low sodium
Instructed patient about medication Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and to improve survival after a heart attack. If your doctor prescribes a low
-salt or low
-sodium
diet, follow
these directions carefully. Metoprolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness or lightheartedness, tiredness, depression, nausea and dry mouth.
Skilled nurse instructed patient about medication Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Dexamethasone is also used to treat certain types of cancer. Your doctor may instruct you to follow
a low
-sodium
, low
-salt, potassium-rich, or high-protein diet. Follow
these directions. Dexamethasone may cause an upset stomach. Take dexamethasone with food or milk. Dexamethasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: upset stomach, stomach irritation, vomiting, headache, dizziness.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Aldactone is a potassium - sparing diuretic ( water pill ) that prevents the body from absorbing too much salt and keeps potassium levels from getting too low
, treating congestive heart failure. SN instructed patient / caregiver to take Aldactone as prescribed by the doctor and do not use salt substitutes or low
- sodium
milk products that contain potassium, because it may increase potassium levels too much. SN explained that side effects may include mild nausea, dizziness, headache, gastric pain. SN instructed to report to physician ( MD ) if patient experiences an allergic reaction, numbness, muscle pain or weakness, irregular heartbeats, urinating less, shallow
breathing or tremors.
If the inner cannula is designed for reuse, clean it in a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and 0.9% sodium
chloride. Wear sterile gloves and maintain aseptic technique. Remove encrusted secretions from the lumen of a metal tube with sterile pipe cleaners or a soft sterile brush. For a plastic tube, use only sterile pipe cleaners to prevent damage by a brush. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the inner cannula with 0.9% sodium
chloride solution.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on factors that increase risk of HTN, such as: age, race, family history, stress, high sodium
intake, high cholesterol intake, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. SN instructed patient / caregiver on measures to control/manage HTN, such as: exercise as tolerated, achieve/maintain healthy/ideal weight, decrease sodium
intake to decrease fluid retention and the workload of the heart. SN Instructed importance of eating foods rich in calcium, protein and fiber.
SN explain about congestive heart failure ( CHF ). As blood flow
out of the heart slow
s, blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing fluid to build up in the tissues. The kidneys are less able to dispose of sodium
and water, also causing fluid retention in the tissues. Fatigue, a tired feeling all the time and difficulty with everyday activities, such as shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking. The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the needs of body tissues. The body diverts blood away from less vital organs, particularly muscles in the limbs, and sends it to the heart and brain. Lack of appetite, nausea, a feeling of being full or sick to your stomach. The digestive system receives less blood, causing problems with digestion. Confusion, impaired thinking, memory loss and feelings of disorientation. A caregiver or relative may notice this first. Changing levels of certain substances in the blood, such as sodium
, can cause confusion. If you have 2 or more of these symptoms you may need to seek medical attention.
Colace is a laxative prescribed to treat occasional constipation, as well as constipation associated with certain medical conditions. Docusate sodium
, the active ingredient in Colace, works by allow
ing water and fats to get into the stool. This helps soften the stool and makes the passing stool more comfortable. Your doctor may recommend stool softeners such as docusate sodium
as the first method used for preventing and treating constipation.
Instructed patient about lifestyle modifications: healthy life choices will improve your overall health and your heart health and can help you slow
the progression of your heart disease. Some heart healthy choices include: healthy diet choices eating a low
fat, low
salt, low
cholesterol diet while avoiding excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine, reduce stress through exercise - Increasing your physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, improve sleep, and lose weight.
SN instructed caregiver that symptoms of low
blood pressure may include: blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, fainting (syncope), lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, sleepiness, weakness. Treatment depends on the cause of your low
blood pressure and your symptoms. If any symptoms from a drop in blood pressure, lie patient down right away, then raise patient's feet above heart level.
Educated PT on low
fat diet. PT was instructed to eat plenty of plant foods (such as whole-grains, fruits, and vegetables) and a moderate amount of lean and low
-fat, animal-based food (meat and dairy products) to help control your fat, cholesterol, carbs, and calories. When you're shopping, choose lean meats, fish, and poultry. Limit these to 5-7 ounces per day. Understanding was verbalized.