Class_1-7

Phantom Sensation and Phantom Pain

• Phantom Wound Pain: Pain perceived in the area where a limb was amputated. The brain still signals pain in the missing limb despite its absence.

• Phantom Sensation: Refers to sensations such as itching or warmth in the area of a missing limb. This phenomenon can occur after amputation.

Stroke Patient Care

• Weaker Side: The term ‘weaker side’ or 'involved side' is used to describe the side of a person that is weaker after a stroke.

• Assisting with Transfers or Walking: When helping a resident who has had a stroke, always stand on the weaker side for safety during transfers. This positioning allows for better support and balance.

• Dressing a Resident: Dress the resident's weaker side first to simplify the process. This approach aids in managing their comfort and assists with mobility.

• Eating Considerations: When a resident has one-sided weakness, always place food on their stronger side of the mouth to facilitate easier eating.

Parkinson's Disease

• Impact on Daily Activities: Individuals with Parkinson's disease may struggle with eating and self-care due to:

  • Muscle stiffness

  • Slowed movement

  • Poor posture

  • Shuffling gait

  • Pill-rolling tremors that can interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing and eating.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Myelin Sheath: In MS, the protective covering (myelin sheath) around the nerves, spinal cord, and brain's white matter deteriorates over time, leading to neurological complications.

Paraplegia and Quadriplegia

• Paraplegia: Refers to the loss of function in the lower body and legs.

• Quadriplegia: Refers to the loss of function in the arms, trunk, and legs.

Hypertension and Angina

• Hypertension: A consistent blood pressure reading of 130 over 80 or higher is classified as hypertension.

• Angina: The medical term for chest pain, pressure, or discomfort is angina (or angina pectoris).

Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Components of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Plan:

  • Regular exercise program

  • Ongoing blood testing

  • Smoking cessation assistance

  • Avoidance of cold temperatures

  • Stress management techniques.

Care Guidelines for Congestive Heart Failure

1. Assist with trips to the toilet.

2. Encourage adherence to dietary restrictions.

3. May require limited activity or bed rest.

4. Measure fluid intake and urine output.

5. Weigh residents as instructed to monitor changes.

6. Assist with ADLs as required.

7. Provide support during meals and activities.

Elastic Stockings Management

• Putting on Elastic Stockings: Should be done in the mornings before the resident gets out of bed for optimal effectiveness.

• Taking Off Elastic Stockings: Should be done at bedtime (HS).

Respiratory Conditions and Care

• Preferred Position for COPD Residents: Residents with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often prefer sitting upright to facilitate better breathing.

• Causes of Emphysema: Mainly caused by cigarette smoking and chronic lung infections.

• Asthma Treatment: Managed with medications delivered via sprays or inhalers.

• Bronchiectasis Treatment: Involves controlling infections and preventing complications; may include antibiotics and drainage for lung fluid.

• Sputum Specimen Collection: The best time to collect a sputum specimen is early in the morning.

Diabetes Management

• Importance of Foot Care: Essential for residents with diabetes due to poor circulation; small wounds can escalate if not monitored.

• Following Dietary Instructions: Critical for diabetic residents to manage carbohydrate intake, meal timing, and overall dietary restrictions to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

HIV and AIDS

• STIs: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are transmitted through sexual contact with an infected individual.

• HIV Transmission: HIV is spread through blood and sharing needles, as well as via sexual contact.

• AIDS Classification: Stage 3 of HIV infection is classified as AIDS.

• Precautions for Infected Individuals: Healthcare providers should follow standard precautions, including frequent handwashing, to minimize infection risks.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Side Effects

• Common side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Mouth sores

  • Diarrhea

  • Temporary hair loss

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Decreased infection resistance, increasing the risk of infection.