CARE OF SPECIFIC CONDTIONS

Cardiovascular Disease:

  • Two aspirins daily as an anti-platelet therapy for treating patients at risk for stroke or myocardial infarction.
  • Observe patients for bleeding such as nose bleeds and occult blood in stools.
  • Patients with atrial fibrillation should be treated with warfarin and careful monitoring of PT or INR.
  • Position the patient in a semi-Fowler's position to prevent or assist with shortness of breath.
  • Counselling and health education should be given to those that are developing stroke.

Hypertension:

  • Reduce blood pressure by encouraging the patient to exercise, have a diet low in salt and relaxation techniques.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

Degenerative Joint & Bone Disease:

Thyroid Disorders:

Diabetes Mellitus:

Poor Hearing and Poor Vision:

  • Advise the patient to get their ears syringed to improve hearing

Dehydration:

Epilepsy:

Dizziness:

Falls:

Thermoregulation:

Immobility:

Leg Ulcers:

Nausea & Associated Symptoms:

Parkinson's Disease:

Pressure Sores:

Prevention of Incontinence:

Stroke:

References: (Patient-Centered Care, 2012)
(Mogotlane, 2013)

  • Reduction of weight, following a diet low in fat and carbohydrates and increase exercising.
  • Treat any infection that the patient might have as well as open wounds.
  • Regular monitoring of sugar levels and blood pressure.
  • Regular monitoring of functional capacity of the patient as the efficiency of medication diminishes over time.
  • Physiotherapy will possibly assist the patient to become mobile again especially after being bedridden and having urinary incontinence and constipation.
  • Maintain adequate of fluids to prevent heat stroke.
  • Patients suffering from hypothermia should be rewarmed slowly with cardiac monitoring in place.
  • Controlled external warming using a space blanket and a warm electric blanket should be used with patients suffering from hypothermia.
  • Nausea is most often caused by the use of medication, advise the patient to gargle their mouth after taking medication.
  • Advise the patient to do pelvic floor exercises and bladder retraining should be done.
  • In hospital provide an indwelling catheter.
  • Advise the patient to rest and elevate their infected limbs, use moist wound care methods, observe for signs of infection and advise them on their diet and exercise.
  • Refer patients to physiotherapist to help them regain their walking skills.
  • Advise patients to use suitable walking aids to assist them also advise them to have safety handles in the bathroom and passage to prevent falls.
  • Advise the patient to use aqueous cream rubbed in gently or warm water and soap with gentle drying.
  • In hospital regular position changes of the bedridden patient should be done.
  • Make sure patients are able to reach and access their fluids and advise patients and care givers on adequate amount of fluid intake.
  • Record the seriousness of the seizure and duration, so that the nurse can monitor if it is getting worse or not.
  • Nurse the patient in a cot bed to prevent falls.
  • Establish a steady program of less strenuous exercises to strength patient's lungs.
  • Counsell and support the patient to cope with this disease.
  • Monitor patients oxygen saturation regularly.
  • Advise patients to use medications such as inhalers.
  • Advise patients to take their medication for hormone replacement.
  • Identify possible risk factors that could lead to falls such as slippery floors.
  • Advise older patients about environmental hazards including inappropriate footwear.
  • Teach the patients how to get up after a fall and to call for assistance.
  • Ensure the patient has rails put in their bathrooms to assist with toilet usage and bathing.
  • Advice the patient to not strain themselves doing strenuous activities.
  • Advise the patient that surgical replacement of degenerative joints will improve their quality of life.
  • Ensure medications for normal replace and non-hormonal medications that improve bone mineral density.
  • Advise patients to clean their ears to remove access wax to assist with balance.
  • Advise the patient to not get up suddenly and walk after taking strong medications.
  • Encourage the patient to get their ears and eyes tested so that necessary hearing aids and glasses can be used.
  • Advise patients to use their ear and eye drops to clear ears and eyes.
  • If the patient is unconscious nurse in a cot bed and also provide and indwelling catheter.
  • Identify the underlying cause of the stroke and educate the patient about the measures they can take to prevent a stoke from occurring again.
  • Provide support and councelling for the patient and family.