Page 37 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book
P. 37
Depending on your meter you will either turn it on or insert the test strip which turns it on. For some meters
you insert the test strip after the blood sample is placed on it. Others absorb the blood sample from the tip of
the test strip pointing out of the meter.
Massage the fingertip or other testing site to improve the blood flow, remember not to prick the very tip of
your fingers but rather the sides of your fingers. Quickly prick the site with your lancet device and gently
squeeze out a small blood sample. Each meter has a parameter for the amount of blood it needs. An
inadequate sample will be rejected.
Touch the blood to the appropriate area on the test strip. Insert the test strip if this is how your meter works.
Apply pressure with a cotton ball, tissue or paper towel to stop any bleeding.
Observe the meter's screen. It should show that it is processing the sample. Refer to your meter's guide for
the exact symbol. Most meters will beep when they reach a result.
Test Results
A number will show in the display which ideally will be between 80 and 130 for fasting and less than 180
after eating. Record this number in your log book, and follow your doctor's instructions for the recorded
results.
If you receive an error code, refer to your meter's guide for specific instructions. Errors usually result from
an inadequate blood sample, mismatched coding chips and strips or low battery. Check your guide and
repeat the test. Use a different site to obtain a new blood sample.
BREAST PUMP
Education
Explain the theory of operation: To resemble the natural feeding motion of an infant.
A physician’s order is not necessary to obtain a breast pump. However, follow your physician’s or lactation
specialist’s guidelines closely, if appropriate.
Demonstration
Plug breast pump into a grounded outlet. Do not use an extension cord.
Explain the breast pump controls: 1) Power switch. 2) Suction rate (cycles/minute). 3) Vacuum adjustment.
4) Battery backup (if applicable). 5) Pump drive.
Assemble single or dual pump kit (see kit instructions) and attach the tubing to the pump.
Adjust the vacuum and suction rate appropriately.
Cleaning/Maintenance/Troubleshooting
Clean the exterior of the breast pump with a damp washcloth with a soap and water solution.
Sterilize single or dual pumping kit by boiling plastic parts in water for 10 minutes daily.
If unit does not power up: 1) Check outlet. 2) Check power cord.
If pump generates no or little vacuum: 1) Check for pump kit connection. 2) Check vacuum adjustment.
Contact Norco if the pump will not function and trouble-shooting efforts have failed.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule: Performed annually.
COUGH ASSIST™
Education
Explain the goals of the Cough Assist™: 1) To clear retained secretions. 2) To imitate the normal cough
mechanism. 3) To prevent airway closure and lung infections.
Indications for use: 1) Any patient that is unable to cough or clear secretions effectively. 2) A Peak Cough
Flow <200lpm. 3) Frequent infections due to an impaired cough.
Contraindications for use: 1) Patient history of bullous emphysema. 2) Known susceptibility to
pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. 3) Recent barotrauma (lung injury).
