Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures to be observed with congestive heart failure as follows:
- 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 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 recommendations for smoking cessation, if applicable. 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.
- Reduced blood supply to the kidneys, in individuals with heart failure, can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and in severe cases, even renal failure. Diminished urine output with increased fluid retention can result in acute weight gain and increased load on already failing heart, which can further complicate the outcome. Try peeing into an urinal periodically, for a 24-hour interval. Calculate and keep a record of total volume of urine emptied in a 24-hour interval. Report to your physician regarding any progressively decreasing volume of urine output. Observe compliance with recommendations made for renal diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any.
