Page 19 - Demo

14 Your Loved One%u2019s Symptoms%u2022 Encourage your loved one to close their eyes and imagine a comforting place.%u2022 For example: Picture a vast, green meadow. You are lying in the meadow and looking up into the clear blue sky and your body is very relaxed.%u2022 Encourage your loved one to take slow deep breaths.%u2022 Pray if your loved one wants to %u2013 and if you are comfortable doing it.BLEEDING (Nose, Rectal, Coughing Up Blood)%u2022 If ordered, give pain medication or medication for relaxation.%u2022 Have several dark towels handy.%u2022 Quiet reassurance; try to stay calm.%u2022 Increase fluids if possible.%u2022 For rectal bleeding, a disposable brief can be used. Apply Vaseline and A&D Ointment to skin for protection.%u2022 If bleeding continues, call the nurse.BREATHING DIFFICULTY%u2022 Elevate the head of bed and turn on oxygen if ordered.%u2022 Place your loved one in a position they say is most comfortable (side, back, raise or lower head, etc.).%u2022 Remove scented items from room.%u2022 Do not smoke in your loved one%u2019s area.%u2022 See page 22 for oxygen safety tips.%u2022 Give medication as ordered.%u2022 Use air conditioner, vaporizer, humidifier, and/or fan (often a small fan directly on patient%u2019s face helps with severe shortness of breath)%u2022 Keep the room cool.%u2022 If pain is increased, give pain medication as ordered.%u2022 If your loved one%u2019s temperature is over 100 degrees, give Tylenol as ordered.%u2022 Check oxygen tubing for kinks.%u2022 Try to remain calm and reassure your loved one that this episode will pass.%u2022 Anxiety increases air hunger %u2013 soft music or relaxation exercises may provide relief.%u2022 Stay with your loved one until the episode ends. Notify nurse if breathing problem continues.CONSTIPATION (A major cause of constipation is pain medications.)%u2022 Take stool softeners and laxatives as directed by nurse.%u2022 If there are no results in 2-3 days, notify the nurse.%u2022 Increase fluids if tolerated (water, prune juice, fruit juices).%u2022 Increase fiber in diet if your loved one can tolerate (bran flakes, bran muffins).%u2022 Exercise (even short walks around the house) if possible.%u2022 Administer Fleet enema as ordered (nurse assistance available).