pneumonia
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.
Instructed patient about measures to prevent or treat pneumonia: eating well balanced meals, adequate rest, avoiding upper respiratory infections or getting promptly treatment for early symptoms, drinking large amounts of fluids to thin secretions and replace fluid loss, avoiding spread of infections by washing hands and properly dispose of tissues. Avoid smoking; perform coughing and deep breathing exercises.
Instructed in new medication Advair diskus to manage asthma. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as sleep disorders, tremor, hypnagogic effects, compressed nerve syndromes, headache, pain, palpitations, pharyngitis, sinusitis, hoarseness (or dysphonia), rhinorrhea, rhinitis, sneezing, nasal irritation, blood in nasal mucosa, keratitis, conjunctivitis, eye redness, viral eye infections, congestion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, oral discomfort and pain, constipation, oral ulcerations, oral erythema and rashes, oral candidiasis, appendicitis, dental discomfort and pain, unusual taste, muscular pain, arthralgia, articular rheumatism, muscle stiffness, tightness, rigidity, bone and cartilage disorders, upper respiratory tract infection, upper respiratory tract inflammation, lower respiratory tract viral infection, bronchitis, cough, pneumonia, urticaria, flakiness, disorders of sweat and sebum, sweating, hives, viral infections, chest symptoms, fluid retention, bacterial infections, allergic reactions.
Patient was instructed on Osteoporosis fractures. The hip fractures are most common in older women and often caused by a fall. After a hip fracture, many older people have medical complications such as blood clots, pressure sores, or pneumonia. Compression fractures of the spine can result in back pain, stooped posture, loss of height, and a curved upper back.
Patient was instructed on Hyperglycemia. To prevent high blood sugar emergencies, treat infections early. Untreated infections (such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and skin infections) can increase the risk for a high blood sugar emergency.
Instructed in the importance of exercise. This avoids phlebitis, decubitus ulcer, pneumonia, fractures, depression, urinary complications, muscle weakness and atrophy and constipation.
Instructed on the importance of receiving flu and pneumonia immunizations.
Instructed on some potential complications of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), such as: acute pulmonary edema and pneumonia, among others.
SN instructed patient/PCG on aspiration as the most common complication related to tube feeding. SN explained that this occurs when food is actually inhaled into the lungs (can lead to pneumonia), but if patient is kept upright during feeding, this complication can be greatly minimized.