Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE Archive
Disclaimer: All information published by "Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE" is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.
What is speckled blood pattern disease?
This may indicate that you have a Connective Tissue Disease. There are a number of different diseases that fall into this category, and you should consult your physician for the specific diagnosis.
What is an appropriate diet if I am suffering from gout?
It is recommended that you consume lots of fluids (i.e., water) to promote uric acid excretion in a dilute urine, and avoid excessive alcohol. As for diet, it is recommended that you consume moderate protein and low fat. Your physician or hospital dietician can help you structure a specific plan.
There are several types of hypoglycemia, i.e., post-prandial, fasting, drug-induced, etc. Knowing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, and how to prevent it, is important. She should consult her physician, who can provide the specific diet to address her symptoms when they occur, usually including carbohydrate foods.
Several of the drugs you are taking may cause the side-effect of drowsiness as well as have potential effects or interactions with each other. Consultation with your physician is recommended. There may be a need to adjust the dosage based on the symptoms you present, with a full medical evaluation.
My friend tells me that calcium is an important nutrient for women. Why?
Not only does calcium help prevent the well-publicized condition known as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones, generally following menopause), it may also help prevent high blood pressure (some populations with low calcium intakes appear suffer from higher pressure). It is recommended that you try to consume 1,000-1,500 mg of calcium daily; good sources are milk, yogurt and cheese, with low-fat varieties preferred for heart-healthiness.
I've been placed on a low-sodium diet. What are some "OK" snacks?
Bagels, raisin toast, English muffins, air-popped popcorn (no salt or butter), unsalted pretzels & crackers, low-fat cookies (animal crackers, fig bars, ginger snaps), fruit juices & drinks, hard candy and jelly beans.
I'm allergic to lots of things, including some medications. What exactly is an allergy?
An allergy is an immune system issue, and an exaggerated sensitivity to a substance that creates no difficulties in the majority of individuals. Virtually anything can cause an allergic reaction, whether it's inhaled, injected, ingested or simply touched. Most allergies can be managed, and reactions prevented, if you avoid known allergy-provoking substances. Be sure to advise your doctors and nurses of any medication to which you are allergic.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas with the potential to kill, generally produced by incomplete carbon-containing fuels such as wood, oil, natural gas, kerosene, coal and gasoline. Early symptoms of exposure include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, loss of muscle control, chest tightness, sleepiness, heart fluttering, skin redness and confusion. At levels of 300 ppm (parts per million) or more, CO can displace sufficient oxygen to cause suffocation, brain damage and death. CO poisoning should be suspected if more than one family member is sick and feels better when leaving home, but CO detectors do help eliminate guesswork.
Disclaimer: All information published by "Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE" is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.
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