Caregiver

Does the home have a space that is relatively free of dutter and easily accessible to the patient or a caregiver ... 

If the patient needs several drugs, can the patient or caregiver identify which drugs are used and when Do they know how to use them and why ... 

The affective domain includes the patient/caregiver s attitudes, feelings, beliefs, and opinions. Health care providers often ignore these aspects of patient teaching. 

The psychomotor domain involves learning physical skills (such as injection of insulin) or tasks (such as performing a dressing change). The nurse teaches a task or skill using a step-by-step method. The patient is allowed hands-on practice under die supervision of the nurse. The nurse assesses die patient mastery of the skill by having the patient or caregiver perform a return demonstration under the watchful eye of the nurse ... 

For patients taking more than one drug, develop a dear, easy-to-read drug schedule or a chart resembling a dock for the patient or caregiver to consult. 

If the patient or caregiver has a problem with drug names, refer to the drug by shape or color. Another idea is to number bottles and use this number on the drug chart. 

The patient may be required to receive aerosol pentamidine at home. Before discharge, the nurse checks to make sure that arrangements have been made to deliver the specialized equipment and supplies, such as a Respirgard II nebulizer and diluent, to the home. The nurse also instructs the patient and caregiver on how to administer the drug ... 

RlSK FOR IN FECTION IN IM M U NOSUPPRESSED PATIEN TS. When patients are immunosuppressed, they are at increased risk for bacterial or other infection. The patient is protected against individuals with upper respiratory infection. All caregivers are reminded to use good handwashing technique... 

In some situations, narcotic analgesics may be ordered tor pain relief using patient-controlled analgesia (PGA). If the patient will be receiving PGA at home, the nurse makes sure to review the following steps with the patient and the caregiver ... 

Explains that if tlie patient or caregiver is unable to instill eye drops, tlie primary health care provider should be contacted immediately. 

The nurse explains any adverse reactions that may occur with a specific antipsychotic drug and encourages die caregiver or family members to contact the primary healtii care provider immediately if a serious drug reaction occurs. 

The patient (if possible), family member, or caregiver demonstrates understanding of tiie drug regimen. 

Because of shortened hospital stays and inoreases in the number of ambulatory surgeries tor many eye problems, the patient may be required to instill eye drops or ointment at home. If the patient is unable to do so, a family member or friend may have to instill the preparation, the nurse uses the following guide to evaluate that the patient or caregiver can properly instill the e drops or ointment ... 

Physicians often face dilemmas with regard to prescribing epinephrine and giving advice about how to use it to those at risk, or the caregivers of children at risk. 

Published clinical scenarios outline the available options in making these decisions [36], It is impossible to predict the outcome of a future anaphylaxis episode with certainty based on the history of a previous episode [37]. Therefore, when in doubt, erring on the side of caution is generally advised prescribe one or more epinephrine autoinjectors, and advise the person at risk or the caregiver of a child at risk to inject epinephrine promptly in an anaphylaxis episode [36]. 

Epinephrine autoinjectors should be prescribed in the context of a written Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan that is developed with the input of the person at risk for anaphylaxis, or the caregiver(s) of the child at risk [45]. The Plan should remind the person at risk about the common symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis, stress the importance of prompt epinephrine injection, and clearly state that Hj-antihistamines... 

I changes in health, w/elfare, quality of life I caregiver effects I externalities... 

Beecham and Knapp, 2001). This instrument gathers data on service utilization, household circumstances relevant to a costing study, employment patterns and experiences, caregiver input, and income and benefit receipts. Johnston et al (1999) oflFer an excellent review of cost assessments in healthcare evaluations more broadly. 

Effectiveness is partly subjective (health care is what economists would call an experience good ), and ratings of it should be based partly on patients and families own experiences and views. FFowever, patients may be poorly placed to express their views reliably because of their symptoms, or reluctant to do so because of the compulsory nature of their care or their fear of psychiatry or chemical coshes . Sometimes families or caregivers, too, may not make reliable raters they may not be as disinterested as one would like. 

Indirect costs are related mainly to employment, in particular reduced levels of productivity at work, and absence due to sickness, as well as the mortality of the disease. Caregiving by the family is an opportunity cost associated with the illness. 

Grant JS, ElUott TR, Weaver M, Bartolucci AA, Giger JN. Telephone intervention with family caregivers of stroke survivors after rehabilitation. Stroke 2002 33 2060-2065. 

Patient noncompliance with prescription regimens is one of the most understated problems in the health care system. The effects of noncompliance have enormous ramifications for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. Compliance with medications is a worldwide problem, and measures that are effective in one country may not have work elsewhere. 

Important to train caregiver or relative to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

Because all inhaled corticosteroids are equally effective if given in equipotent doses, product selection should be individualized based on the available dosage form, delivery device, and patient preference. In infants, administration may require the use of a nebulizer or spacer/holding chamber with a facemask. Caregivers should use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the face of infants receiving an inhaled corticosteroid via a facemask to prevent topical candidiasis.18... 

Evaluate for signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Mental status changes may be subtle questioning family members or caregivers about confusion or personality changes may reveal mild hepatic encephalopathy even if the patient is unaware of the deficits. 

Educate a patient or caregiver on epilepsy and pharmacotherapy for this disorder. 

Finally, patients with epilepsy are often dependent upon caregivers to assist with medications, transportation, and ensuring their safety. Caregivers should be informed of the patients medical needs and how to assist should a seizure occur. 

Instruct patients, family members, and caregivers on first aid for seizures. First aid for seizures consists primarily of keeping the patients from hurting themselves. They should be placed on the floor, if possible, and their heads cushioned. First responders to a seizure should never attempt to restrain them or force an item into their mouth. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 to 10 minutes, emergency medical assistance should be called. 

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