Common Health Problems

Chapter 40

Stroke –common effects

• Loss of face, hand, arm, leg, or body control

• Hemiplegia

• Changing emotions

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

• Aphasia or slowed slurred speech

• Changes in sight, touch, movement, and thought

• Impaired memory

• Urinary Issues, loss of bowel control, constipation

• Depression and frustration

Hypertension

a long-term condition where blood pressure in the arteries is consistently high. Blood pressure is usually diagnosed when it's 130/80 mm Hg or higher

Fractures-cast care/traction

Closed Fracture- Bone is broken, skin is intact

Open fracture- Broken bone has come through the skin

Movement of the bone ends is prevented with a cast, traction, etc.

Cast Care- Keep the cast dry, clean, avoiding putting weight on it. Elevate the cast.

HIV/How are they spread/precautions

Spread through body fluids

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Angina & Myocardial Infarction – what occurs

Angina is chest discomfort caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle.

Myocardial infarction- blood clot stops blood flow to the heart.

Heart Failure (CHF) – what is it; nursing interventions

Occurs when a heart is weakened and cannot pump normally

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Diabetes – what is it/interventions/treatments

Type 1- Mostly in children, teens, young adults

Type 2- Any age

Risk factors are being over 45, being over weight, lack of activity, hypertension.

Treatment:

Type 1- Daily insulin therapy, healthy eating, and activity

Type 2- Healthy eating and activity, oral drugs, some need insulin, loss of weight.

Tuberculosis (TB) - how is it spread/precaution level

Bacterial infection in the lungs

Spread by airborne droplets with coughing, sneezing, speaking, singing, or laughing.

Risk factors:

• Close, frequent contact

• being close, crowded areas

• age

• poor nutrition

• HIV

Standard precautions and isolation precautions (airborne)

• Mouth and nose should be covered when sneezing, coughing, or producing sputum

• Tissues are flushed down the toilet, placed in a biohazard bag, or placed in a paper bag and burned

Stroke- Care

A stroke is caused by a blocked artery in the brain

Therapy and help with day to day life.

The goal is to help them regain independence.

Hepatitis B/How are they spread/precautions

Inflammation of the liver

Follow standard precautions and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Isolation precautions ordered as necessary

Hepatitis B

• Is present in the blood and body fluids of infected persons

It is spread by:

• IV drug use and sharing needles

• Accidental needle sticks

• Sex without a condom

• Contaminated tools used for tattoos or body piercings

• Sharing a toothbrush, razor, and nail clippers.