1. The client/caregiver can explain Lyme disease.
   1. It is a disease caused by bacterium and is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected black-legged tick.
   2. Symptoms are as follows:
      • Fever
      • Headache
      • Fatigue
      • Skin rash called erythema migrans (bull’s eye appearance)
      • Muscle pains
      • Stiff neck
      • Joint inflammation (particularly in knees and large joints)
      • Overall itching
      • Change in behavior
   3. Complications of Lyme disease are infections that can spread to joints, heart, and nervous system, such as:
      • Arthritis
      • Meningitis and encephalitis
      • Bell’s palsy
      • Heart complications
2. The client/caregiver can list risk factors for Lyme disease.
   1. Walking in tall grasses
   2. Other outdoor activities that risk exposure to ticks
   3. Having a pet that goes outdoors and may carry ticks
3. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent or manage Lyme disease.
   1. Contact physician for testing.
   2. Take medications as ordered by physician.
   3. Have regular checkups with physician.
   4. Avoid fatigue.
   5. If walking in wooded or grassy areas, tuck long pants into socks to protect legs.
   6. Wear shoes and long-sleeved shirts.
   7. Wear white or light colored clothing, making it easier to identify ticks.
   8. Use insect repellant on skin and spray your clothes.
   9. Check for ticks on yourself (even your scalp) and pets.
   10. Remove tick immediately with tweezers using steady traction. Swab area with antiseptic after removing tick.
   11. Signs and symptoms to report to physician are as follows:
       • Headache
       • Muscle weakness
       • Altered mental functioning
       • Excessive drowsiness
       • Flu-like symptoms

Resources

Lyme Disease Association
www.lymediseaseassociation.org

Local or state department of health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care.
Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.
Cohen, B. J., & Wood, D. L. (2000). Memmler’s the Human Body in Health and Disease (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Nutrition made incredibly easy. (2003). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Portable RN: The all-in-one nursing reference. (2002). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Taylor, C., Lillis, D., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins. Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
www.jbpub.com