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Instructed patient/caregiver about some things you can do to help move things through your ostomy: do not take laxative.
Instructed patient caregiver If you keep having pain and cramping with no output from your stoma for more than 2 hours, and you can’t reach your doctor or ostomy nurse, go to the emergency room. Take all your ostomy supplies with you.
Instructed patient caregiver Loss of appetite, drowsiness, and leg cramps may be signs of sodium loss. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath may be signs of potassium loss. Dehydration, low sodium, and low potassium can all be dangerous and should be treated right away. Call your doctor or 911 right away if you are dizzy, weak, or having other serious symptoms.
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 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 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.
SN taught patient on sleeping with LVAD, and it was explained that many LVAD patients actually find that they’re able to sleep more comfortably with their LVAD than they did before because they’re feeling better and breathing more easily. There are, however, two major ways that having an LVAD affects your sleep routine: You may not be able to sleep on your stomach. Stomach sleeping can compress or pull on the driveline. Sleeping on your back is the best option, although some LVAD patients find it comfortable to sleep on their sides. You’ll also need to make sure that the driveline doesn’t get tangled in clothing or blankets. At first, sleeping with the LVAD may feel awkward, but most patients get used to it after a few days. Understanding was verbalized.
SN instructed patient on ways to conserve energy due to muscle weakness dx such as small frequent meals, avoiding large meals/overeating, take frequent rest periods to prevent from becoming tired, exercise as often as you can without tiring yourself out, stretching and range of motion is good to help build strength and controlling stress.
Instructed patient on medication Irbesartan, it is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
SN instructed patient about High blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is when your blood pressure is lower than 120 / 80 mm / Hg most of the time. High blood pressure ( hypertension ) is when your blood pressure is 140 / 90 mm / Hg or above most of the time. SN explained that the "top number" systolic indicates the pressure in the vessels when the heart beats. The "bottom number" diastolic indicates the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest, to between beats. This number is the most concerning number because it tells your medical team the constant pressure on these vessels. Too high (over 80) can cause damage