Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding measures to prevent exacerbation of congestive heart failure as follows:
- Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure and heart rate readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistent systolic readings below 90 and above 160. Report consistent diastolic readings below 60 and above 90. Report any consistent heart rate readings below 55 and above 100. Observe compliance with all cardiac medications, as prescribed.
- Individuals with history of co-existing thyroid disorders must observe compliance with periodical evaluation of thyroid function, medication intake, and lab draws, as ordered.
- Observe compliance with recommendations for heart healthy diet, as ordered. Individuals with history of co-existing elevated cholesterol and coronary artery disease must observe compliance with periodical evaluation of cholesterol levels and intake of cholesterol lowering drugs, as ordered.
- Individuals with history of co-existing diabetes must observe compliance with dietary intake and calorie recommendations made. Observe compliance with close watch on blood sugars and medications intake, as ordered. Report to your physician regarding consistent blood sugar readings, out of parameters defined.
- Be aware of risk factors for clot formation, such as, reduced activity, poor fluid intake, and smoking. Observe compliance with fluid intake and smoking cessation recommendations made, if applicable. Keep a close watch for and report to your physician regarding signs and symptoms of clot and emboli formation, such as, acute dry cough, sudden chest pain with exacerbation of shortness of breath, acute calf pain with swelling of the lower limb, and dizziness. Observe compliance with intake of blood thinner and anticoagulant medications, if any ordered. Observe compliance with periodical lab draws, as ordered, for any changes to be made in the dose of anticoagulant medications.
