skin breakdown
SN instructed patient about Lymphedema disease. Lymphedema is the buildup of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. When the lymph system is working as it should, lymph flows through the body and is returned to the bloodstream. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur: Swelling of an arm or leg; which may include fingers and toes; a full or heavy feeling in an arm or leg; a tight feeling in the skin. Patient verbalized understanding the teaching.
SN instructed patient and caregiver about Lymphedema disease, also known as lymphatic obstruction. Is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which normally returns interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct and then the bloodstream. The condition can be inherited or can be caused by a birth defect, though it is frequently caused by cancer treatments, and by parasitic infections. Though incurable and progressive, a number of treatments can ameliorate symptoms. Tissues with lymphedema are at high risk of infection. Symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness or fullness, edema and ( occasionally ) aching pain in the affected area. In advanced lymphedema, there may be the presence of skin changes such as discoloration, verrucous ( wart-like ) hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and papillomatosis; and eventually deformity ( elephantiasis ). Patient verbalized understanding the teaching.
RN instructed patient about medication Famotidine that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus. RN instructed patient to swallow the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water. RN also explained about side effects of treatment such as: hives, skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. RN instructed to call Physician immediately if any of these signs or symptoms appear. Patient and caregiver voiced understanding of all instructions given.
SN instructed patient on liver failure. The early symptoms of liver failure are similar to symptoms of many other conditions. Because of this, liver failure may initially difficult to diagnose. Some of the most common initial symptoms of liver failure are: Nausea, Loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea. As liver failure progresses, the symptoms become more serious. The most common symptoms of advanced liver failure include: Skin itchiness, jaundice, bleeding easily, bruising easily, swollen abdomen, mental disorientation or confusion, sweet or foul smelling breath, sleepiness, coma. Educated patient that the liver filters the Ammonia out the blood and that liver failure causes Ammonia levels to increase, which cause change of mental status, confusion, and sleepiness or fatigue.
SN instructed patient on Colostomy Care. You contact your healthcare provider if: You have a fever, you have a foul odor coming from your colostomy bag or stomach that lasts longer than a week, your skin around the stomach becomes red and irritated, you have nausea, vomiting, pain, cramping, or bloating, you do not have regular bowel movements through your stomach, the size of your stomach changes, you have questions or concerns about your condition.
SN instructed patient about Jackson Pratt care. The JP drain removes fluids by creating suction in the tube. The bulb is squeezed
flat and connected to the tube that sticks out of your body. The bulb expands as it fills with fluid. SN instructed patient use soap and water or saline ( saltwater ) solution to clean your JP drain site. Dip a cotton swab or
gauze pad in the solution and gently clean your skin.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Actos is an antidiabetic med that is used to lower blood sugar. SN explained that it is important to not take medication when blood sugar is low. SN instructed to patient / caregiver to check blood sugar level before taking the medication to avoid hypoglycemia. SN instructed that side effects of the medication include: SOB, swelling or rapid weight gain, chest pain, N / V, jaundice, blurred vision, pale skin, easy bruising. SN instructed patient / caregiver to inform physician if experiencing any of these side effect.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to help clear mucous and congestion and codeine is used to quiet to cough. SN instructed patient / caregiver to take as directed and with food if stomach upset occurs. Informed that drowsiness, constipation, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headache may occur the first several days the body adjusts to the medication, call physician ( MD ) if these effects continue or become bothersome or if developing skin rash, itching or rapid heart rate. SN instructed patient / caregiver to take the needed cough medication and stop when symptoms clear up.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on medication Clonazepam. Explained that this medication is a benzodiazepines and it works to manage panic disorder as well as muscle convulsions and neuralgias. Explained that the side effects include behavioral changes, drowsiness, increased secretions, palpitations, constipation, ataxia and dependence. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if fever, clay colored stools, yellowing of skin, or behavioral changes occur.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Digoxin. Explained that Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm to treat A - fib. Explained that the side effects may include mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. SN instructed patient / caregiver to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather or by not drinking enough fluids, because Digoxin overdose can occur more easily if dehydrated, and to call 911 if overdose is suspected. Explained that the overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, severe vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights or objects, severe skin rash, fast / slow or uneven heartbeats, and feeling like passing out. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistent side effects or adverse effects.