patient-unable
Instructed patient caregiver when you should call the doctor: continuous bleeding where the stoma meets the skin unusual change in your stoma size or color anything unusual going on with your ostomy.
Instructed patient and caregiver what not do with her LVAD. Kink, bend or pull your driveline, disconnect the driveline from the controller (under normal circumstances), Sleep on your stomach, Take a bath or swim, Play contact sports, Have an MRI (CT Scans or X-Rays are OK), Attempt to repair LVAD equipment yourself, Leave the house without backup equipment. understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient that when traveling with an LVAD will involve some extra planning and preparation.When scheduling a trip, discuss your plans ahead of time with your LVAD team. They‘ll help you be as independent as possible, and still stay safe and healthy. They can also provide you with the necessary travel documents, as well as helpful tips. Understanding was verbalized.
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.
Instructed patient that good nutrition and a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet are very important for everyone especially people with heart conditions. By choosing the right kinds of foods and maintaining a healthy weight, you can help minimize strain on your heart and vascular system, and feel your best. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient her LVAD team will give you detailed instructions on what you need to do on a daily basis for your specific device and medical condition. They will also most likely give you a chart (sometimes called a “flowsheet”) customized for your specific device, to fill out daily. Flowsheets make it easy to keep track of your weight, medications, device settings (such as pump speed, power, etc.) and other daily maintenance items. Sample flowsheets are included at the bottom of the page (they vary slightly based on manufacturer). It is a sample only; use the flowsheet provided by your LVAD team. Understanding was verbalized.
Instructed patient that for healthy living with your LVAD, you’ll need to make sure that: the equipment is working properly,you have sufficient power sources at all times, your driveline exit site is clean and dry, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, as you’re able to tolerate it, are taking your medications and supplements as directed by your doctor. Understanding was verbalized.
Sn educated patient/caregiver that Micafungin is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus. Micafungin is used to treat infections caused by the Candida fungus. Micafungin is also used to prevent Candida fungal infections in stem cell transplant patients. Understanding was verbalized.
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.
Instructed patient that it is not uncommon to experience significant stress, anxiety or depression when receiving your LVAD or becoming a caregiver for an LVAD recipient. There have been a lot of changes in your body and your life recently. There are many different causes of mental health issues, many of which are not under your control. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it is not a bad thing to ask for help. There are many new medications and treatments available to help you feel better. Sometimes mental health issues are not recognized by the person who is affected. We have provided this tool to help you or a loved one identify when you may need to ask for help. Understanding was verbalized.