Urinary Tract Infections
The person may have a catheter or may have to wear an incontinence
pad. If you notice that the urine becomes cloudy or foul
smelling, encourage fluids unless he is on fluid restriction.
If he is on intermittent catheterisation, you may have to
increase the frequency.
If the patient starts to have fever, he will need a course
of antibiotics. Call or take him to see your doctor.
Chest Infections
Upper respiratory tract infections or viral infections usually
last only a few days. However, the bedridden person is susceptible
to chest infections. If he has difficulty swallowing, he
may breathe in food particles and this could give rise to
aspiration pneumonia.
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There
is usually fever and excessive secretions.
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Sputum
may be yellowish.
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The person
must be seen by a doctor.
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He will
need antibiotics or even hospitalisation depending on
the severity of the infection.
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Poor circulation
may be the result of inactivity in a bedridden person.
As a result of the inactivity and poor circulation, the
blood clots in the venous plexus (blood vessels).
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The person
will complain of severe pains in the legs and swelling.
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Call your doctor
immediately.
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To prevent
deep vein thrombosis, elevate feet, exercise and sit him
out of bed regularly.
-
Gentle physiotherapy
or elastic stockings may help.
Infected Pressure Sores
The care of the skin and pressure sore prevention has been
dealt with in the chapter on Wound Care. If the skin breaks
down, dressings will be necessary. Consult your nurse on
the best type of dressing to use. She will also teach you
the correct dressing technique.
If the sore becomes deep or infected and discharging pus
or secretions you will need to bring him to see the doctor.
A simple desloughing may be required. The doctor will advise
you on whether further surgical procedures are required.
Confusion
If the person is confused, he may forget simple things like
the day and the date. Sometimes confusion is short-term
and could be due to an infection or dehydration. It could
also be due to the person’s medications. It is best
to consult your doctor if there is sudden confusion.
Memory Loss
Sometimes the person may remember something that happened
ten years ago and yet forget something that you said a minute
ago. He may keep asking you the same thing again and again.
A great deal of patience is required. Simple reminders,
a clock, calendar, or a notice board can be used as memory
aids.
Constipation
Constipation is a common problem in the bedridden person.
If he is on a normal diet, make sure he gets plenty of fibre
in the diet. If he is on tube feeding, this will be more
difficult. Your doctor will advise you on the best laxative
for the person. Commonly used ones are senna and lactulose.
If necessary your doctor may recommend a suppository or
an enema.
Diarrhoea
When a person passes watery stools frequently, he can lose
excessive fluids as well as salts. If the person is elderly
or becomes dehydrated, consult your doctor. He could have
an infection and might require medications.
Vomiting
If vomiting occurs, check to see if there is any blood in
the vomitus. If there is, call your doctor immediately,
as the person could have a bleeding ulcer in his stomach
or duodenum.
If the person has associated diarrhoea or abdominal pain,
he could have gastro-enteritis and specific treatment could
be required. Consult your doctor.
Care Of The Eye
The eyes of the person can sometimes become red. There could
be excessive tearing and discharges at the eyelids. If conjunctivitis
is suspected, see your doctor. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments
may be required. These must be used before the expiry date
and the dropper should not touch the eye.
Care Of The Ear
Ear wax can sometimes be excessive and cause discomfort.
Your doctor can give you ear drops to soften and remove
it. If it is hard, your doctor may have to syringe the ear.
Infections of the ear may be painful and may affect hearing.
Antibiotic eardrops may be required, so consult your doctor.
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