skin care
Instructed patient when skin redness where the tape or dressing was the nurse may need to change the dressing size or the type of tape or dressing used. Call home care nurse.
SN advised patient call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have new bruises that are away from the injection site or blood spots under your skin, you have a nosebleed., you have blood in your urine.Your stools are black and tar-like or have streaks of blood, you have vaginal bleeding when you are not having your period, or heavy period bleeding.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about Methylprednisolone ( Medrol ), it is a corticosteroid used to treat severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, and skin conditions. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Possible side effects, that may go away during treatment, include difficulty sleeping, mood changes, nervousness, increased appetite, or indigestion. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience swelling of feet or legs unusual weight gain black, tarry stools vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds severe nausea or vomiting changes in menstrual periods headache muscle weakness or prolonged sore throat, cold or fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. DO NOT stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause serious side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine makes you more susceptible to illnesses, especially if you take it for an extended period of time. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people who have colds or other infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, or muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months after stopping this medicine.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on service authorization, advance directives, rights and responsibilities, rights of the elderly and obtained necessary signatures. Instructed patient / caregiver on 24 hour nurse availability and provided / posted the agency telephone number. Also instructed that after hours, weekends and holidays an answering service will reach the nurse and he / she will return the patient / caregiver call and answer any questions or make a visit if needed. Patient and caregiver stated understanding. Patient and caregiver educated on diabetic diet, diabetic foot care, symptoms / signs ( s / s ) of depression, managing pain with medications, healthy skin, and pressure ulcer prevention. Leaflets left in home.
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.
Urostomy care Instructed patient When to Change the Pouch. Most urostomy pouches need to be changed 1 to 2 times a week. It is
important to follow a schedule for changing your pouch. DO NOT wait until it leaks because urine leaks can harm your skin.
SN assessed portacath insertion site every visit. SN instructed s/sx to report to SN / MD such as redness, pain, puffiness around port, drainage from insertion site, temperature above 100 degrees, shortness of breath and chest pain. Sn instructed on portacath care and protection of the skin over the port.
Instructed patient DO NOT massage the skin near or on the ulcer. This can cause more damage. DO NOT use donut-shaped or ring-shaped cushions. They reduce blood flow to the area, which may cause sores.
Instructed patient caregiver Change the pouching system regularly to avoid leaks and skin irritation. It's important to have a regular schedule for changing your pouch. Don't wait for leaks or other signs of problems, such as itching and burning.
Instructed patient in position and reposition every hour to prevent skin breakdown.