Question

1. Henry needs to be informed about the basics of a Holter monitor, because he will be wearing one for the first time and is unaware of what it is. He’s afraid it will intrude on his busy, daily routine and says that he’s already had an ECG. What should you tell him?

2. Sylvia, a 58-year-old nonsmoker, comes into the office complaining of shortness of breath and is informed that she will have to undergo a pulmonary function test (PFT). What is a PFT, and what is the most common test?

3. Dolores is a 78-year-old who has been prescribed home oxygen therapy to treat her COPD. What guidelines can you give her to ensure she is using the oxygen in safe environment?

Answer 1

Helath education for client's using Holter monitor

Holter monitoring is a non-invasive test( not a painful procedure); client wears a monitor and an electrocardiographic tracing is recorded continously over a period of 24 hrs or more while the client performs his or her activities of daily living

The monitor identifies abnormalities in the heart rythm if they occur and evaluates the effectiveness of antidysrhytmics( rhytm normalicing drugs) or pacemaker therapy.

Interventions

• Instruct the client to resume normal daily activities and to maintain a diary documenting activities and any symptoms that may develop for corelating with ECG tracing
• Instruct the client to avoid tub baths or showers because they may interfere with ECG recorder device
• Take the routine medications within prescribed time no need to withhold them

Pulmonary Function Test

Pulmonary Function Tests or PFT are tests used to find out how well the lungs are working.The test measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow and gas exchange. This information can help the health care provider to diagnose the disorder and to recommend a treatment

PFTs can be done in two ways:

1. Spirometry: A spirometer is a device with a mouth piece hooked upto a small electronic device
2. Plythysmography: patient sit or stand in an airtight box to do the test

Among these test Spirometry is commonly used test, in which patient will be asked to empty your lungs by gently breathing out as much air as possible. Then client has to take a quick and deep breath by holding the breath for 10 seconds and breathe out as instructed

Health education on Oxygen therapy in a safe environment at home

Follow all safety guidelines when using oxygen at home. Tips for safe oxygen use include:

Stay away from open flames.These include cigarettes, matches, fire place, gas burners, pipes anything that catches fire

Do Not smoke or be around others who are smoking

Keep oxygen tanks atleast 5 feet from any heat source

Keep the door to the room open which promotes proper circulation of air

Protect the oxygen tank from being knocked over

Store the oxygen tank in an upright secure, approved storage device

Turn the tank off right away if it is knocked off and makes a hissing noise. If the regulator breaks or you can not safely turn the tank off remove the tubing and leave the room. Call the supply company or fire department right away

Be careful not to trip over the tubing of th oxygen tank

Do not use lotions or creams that has petrolleum jelly, because it can start a fire when mixed with oxygen

Turn oxygen off when you are not using it.

Always follow the instructions for safe use as recommended by your medical supply company. Npt using oxygen safely can put yourself and your neighbours at risk of catching fire

Contact emergency number, health care provider and medical supply company in case of any emergency