Helpful Resources

This week I wanted to list some various websites that may help with your understanding of the disease MS. Here are my top picks...

For a brief overview and easy to understand information:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/

mayoclinic can be used as a platform to begin understanding what multiple sclerosis is, the signs & symptoms of the disease and many possible and current treatments. Once you get your toes wet with this information you can move on to gain a more in-depth understanding which leads me to...

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS

The national MS society is probably the most extensive, accurate, up-to-date and helpful resource there is on MS. The website also has information on MS support and how one can live well with the disease.

MS connection allows one to make a profile and may be a helpful support group for some

https://www.msconnection.org/

I've also listed some nursing care for individuals living with the disease

Risk for Activity Intolerance May be related to fatigue, medications, emotional demands and pain/discomfort	§  Identify and review factors affecting ability to be active: temperature extremes, inadequate food intake, insomnia, use of medications, time of day §  Determine need for walking aids. Provide braces, walkers, or wheelchairs. Review safety considerations §  Assist with physical therapy. Increase patient comfort with massages and relaxing baths §  Administer medications as ordered
Risk for Self-Care Deficit   May be related to neuromuscular impairment, decreased strength and endurance, motor impairment, memory loss, pain/discomfort, fatigue and depression	§  Encourage patient to perform self-care to the maximum of ability as defined by patient. Do not rush patient §  Assist according to degree of disability; allow as much autonomy as possible §  Provide assistive devices and aids as indicated: shower chair, elevated toilet seat with arm supports §  Reposition frequently when patient is immobile (bed or chair bound). Provide skin care to pressure points, such as sacrum, ankles, and elbows. Position properly and encourage to sleep prone as tolerated
Impaired Urinary Elimination May be related to neuromuscular impairment	§  Note reports of urinary frequency, urgency, burning, incontinence, nocturia, and size or force of urinary stream. Palpate bladder after voiding §  Review drug regimen, including prescribed, over-the-counter (OTC), and street as a side effect may be due to use §  Encourage adequate fluid intake, avoiding caffeine and use of aspartame, and limiting intake during late evening and at bedtime §  Promote continued mobility

Until next week!