MANAGE SYMPTOMS
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INFECTIONS • Read the prior section on safety for ways you can help reduce some of the chances of infections. • Many illnesses and some treatments can make it much easier for a patient to get an infection. • Your Care Team will wash their hands or use hand sanitizers when visiting. They will wear gloves when giving care to the patient. They will keep their equipment and supplies clean. They will not knowingly visit when they are sick. CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF: • Patient develops an increased cough with spitting up sputum or mucus. • Patient develops a sore throat, colored mucus in nose or throat, or red, itchy eyes with crust on the eyelashes. • Patient develops new red, streaked, puffy, or warm areas on skin. • Patient’s skin, cuts, or wounds begin to drain. • Patient’s urine begins to smell bad or look cloudy. • Dressings on skin or places where tubes or needles enter the skin begin to look ir- ritated, red, swollen, wet, or smell bad. • Patient develops a fever over 101 degrees.
NAUSEA AND VOMITING Nausea and vomiting are common problems. Medical treatments, medications, anxiety, or the illness
itself can cause nausea or vomiting. • Limit movement when feeling nauseated, queasy, or sick to the stomach. • Rest and avoid rapid changes in position. • Take medications to prevent or treat nausea at least 30 minutes before eating or taking other medications. • Turn the patient to their side to prevent choking with vomiting. • Slowly sip ginger ale, peppermint or ginger tea, or suck on a peppermint candy if choking is not a risk. • Drink only clear fluids (drinks you can see through) for at least 24 hours. Some good options are ginger ale, apple juice, Sprite or 7-Up, sports drinks like Gatorade, popsicles, broth, Jello, etc. • Slowly begin eating small amounts of a BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast (plain). • Rinse mouth thoroughly after vomiting. Use a watered-down mouthwash or brush teeth if pos-
sible. • Avoid: • Eating sooner than two (2) hours after vomiting • Heavy or fatty meals • Lying down after eating • Drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, soda, or black tea • Strong smells
CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF: • Nausea or vomiting is a new symptom. • Vomiting does not stop even when only drinking clear liquids. • Vomit is bright red or dark brown (like coffee grounds). • The patient is having trouble swallowing.
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