Page 20 - Demo

SamaritanNJ.org 15DIARRHEA (record frequency)%u2022 Take medication as ordered.%u2022 Increase fluid intake, but no fruit juice or milk %u2013 liquids such as Gatorade may be used. Small, frequent amounts of rice, rice cereal, banana, applesauce, and toast can be added to diet as tolerated.%u2022 Apply A&D Ointment to sore area as ordered.%u2022 Notify the nurse if diarrhea is continuous for more than six to eight hours.DRY MOUTH%u2022 Rinse mouth every two hours with saline (one teaspoon salt to one quart of water).%u2022 Offer liquids with meals to moisten foods and help with swallowing.%u2022 Give high-calorie diet supplements between meals as tolerated (i.e., Ensure).%u2022 Offer ice chips, hard candy, sugarless chewing gum.%u2022 Add liquids to solid food (gravy, yogurt).%u2022 Avoid spicy, hot, and acidic foods.FEVER (Thermometer may be placed under arm. Add one degree to reading for temperature.)%u2022 Notify the nurse if your loved one%u2019s temperature is 101 degrees or higher.%u2022 Lower room temperature, remove heavy blankets and clothes.%u2022 Increase fluid as tolerated (e.g., popsicles, ice chips).%u2022 Apply cool cloth to forehead, wipe arms and legs with cool cloth.%u2022 For temperature over 104 degrees, you may place crushed ice chips in Ziploc bags, wrap in thin towels, then place under arms and groin area for 5-10 minutes. Repeat every 30 minutes.GURGLING, NOISY BREATHING | Please also see, As Death NearsOften indicates change in condition, call nurse.%u2022 Adjust head of bed.%u2022 Position your loved one on side; change sides every two hours to facilitate drainage (if able).%u2022 Use mouth swabs to clean mouth; keep lips moistened.%u2022 If, after using the above measures there is no change, call the nurse.%u2022 This sound may be difficult for you and other family members to hear, but it%u2019s usually not stressful to your loved one and often occurs because throat muscles are very relaxed.HICCUPS%u2022 Instruct your loved one to breathe slowly and deeply into a paper bag for 10 breaths at a time.%u2022 Drink water slowly.%u2022 Give your loved one 1 teaspoon sugar to hold in the mouth and then swallow.%u2022 May be relieved by drinking peppermint water or taking Mylanta.%u2022 Lower head of bed (may decrease pressure on the diaphragm).%u2022 Notify nurse if persistent.