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VNA Answer Nurse:  Carol Degraw

Carol recently retired from the VNA after more than 34 years of service.  Thankfully, Carol still wanted to continue her Answer Nurse segment on the radio and here on the web.  Please take a moment to read the press release from VNA that details her life and community service.

 
QUESTION:  
I am a 45 year old male and was recently diagnosed with Hypertension. What exactly is this?
 
ANSWER NURSE: 
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which constricted arterial blood vessels increase the resistance to blood flow, causing blood to exert excessive pressure against the walls of a person’s arteries. This causes the heart to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed arteries and can lead to long term damage to the heart and blood vessels. Most high blood pressure can be controlled with medication and lifestyle modifications.
 
 
 
QUESTION:
Carol, I am 56years old and recently I haven’t felt well. What are the signs of low blood pressure.

ANSWER NURSE:
Low blood pressure is an interesting condition and some of the signs and symptoms are vey typical. Some of the signs of low blood pressure include:
Clamminess or sweating
Paleness
Poor balance
Impaired memory or mental ability and to confirm the diagnoses of low blood pressure you would have a Systolic blood pressure less than 90 which is the top number , Diastolic which is the bottom number blood pressure less than 60


QUESTION:
Several months ago, my son developed a small white patch on the skin of his arm. It appears to be getting larger. Is a white patch on the skin anything to be concerned about?


ANSWER NURSE:
Generally a white patch of skin isn’t cause for concern. Sometimes a small area of skin becomes irritated or develops mild eczema, which results in a patch of skin that’s lighter in pigment than is the skin around it. Apply moisturizer to the affected skin and avoid harsh or drying soaps. If this does not help consult a dermatologist for an evaluation. 


QUESTION:
Carol I am 19 years old and the doctor told me I have a cyst on my ovary. What is the difference between a tumor and a cyst?

ANSWER NURSE:
A Cyst is a sac that may be filled with air, fluid or other material. A cyst can form in any part of the body. Most cyst are non-cancerous. A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue. A tumor can also form in any part of the body. A tumor can be benign or cancerous. To determine whether a cyst or tumor is cancerous, a sample of the affected tissue will need to be taken for microscopic examination. This is called a biopsy. Follow up with your doctor is very important.


QUESTION:
Hi Carol, for many years I was diagnosed with high-frequency hearing loss. I was told that hearing aids probably wouldn’t help. With new technology available in hearing aids, am I a candidate for hearing aids now?

ANSWER NURSE:
Yes, In recent years, hearing aid manufacturers have made great strides in developing hearing aids that are effective for all types of hearing loss- including high frequency hearing loss. Digital hearing aids can be programmed and adjusted to match an individuals unique hearing loss. To find the best hearing aid for your situation, make an appointment with an audiologist to have your hearing tested.


The VNA Answer Nurse is brought to you by the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Missouri. For all your Home Care and Hospice needs please contact VNA at 1-800-286-5892.

 

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