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CONCERN

NURSE TO DO

FAMILY TO DO

■    Get more information about water testing at www.epa.gov/safewater/labs

■    Check to make sure septic system is not close to well.

■    Review items in “Family To Do” column with family

■    Test water for lead. Contact local or state department of health for water testing information.

■    Find out if the public water supplier has notified consumers of any violations of health-based standards in the last year.

Will do actions listed above except: 

Will advise family as listed above except: 

Drinking Water Source – Household well water

■    Ask these additional questions:

o     Is the wellhead protected and well constructed according to state or other requirements/specification?

o     Is water tested annually for bacteria and, if pregnant woman or infants in household, nitrates, and okay?

o     Is water tested annually, contaminants detected and alternate source used (appropriate filter or bottled water)?

o     Is water tested annually, contaminants detected, but alternate source not used?

o     Has the water been tested within the last year?

o     Are there noticeable changes in water taste, odor, color or clarity? (In this case, especially if pregnant woman or infant is in the household, recommend testing more than once a year).

o     Has there been a chemical or fuel spill leak near water supply? (If yes, recommend testing for chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds).  

■    Get more information about water testing at www.epa.gov/safewater/labs

■    Review items in “Family To Do” column with family.

■    Test water for lead. Contact local or state department of health for water testing information.

Will do actions listed above except: 

Will advise family as listed above except: 

Mold

■    See “Mold and Musty Odor” recommendations above.

■    Make sure fans in bathroom and kitchen vent to the outside, not just in to walls.  The goal is to take moisture out of home.

■    Review items in “Family To Do” column with family.

■    See “Mold and Musty Odor” recommendations above.

Will do actions listed above except: 

Will advise family as listed above except: 

Damage

■    Educate about mold risks as they relate to damage.

■    If family owns home, then counsel to change behaviors.

■    If family rents home, then counsel them to talk with their landlord.

■    Review items in “Family To Do” column with family.

■    If homeowner, then make necessary repairs.

■    If renter, then talk with your landlord about needed repairs.  Consider calling the local board of health for possible code violations.

Will do actions listed above except: 

Will advise family as listed above except: 

Sleeping Area

Mattress covers

■    If patient is allergic to dust mites, educate as follows:

o     Use allergen impermeable mattress covers with zippers on beds and pillows.

■    Review items in “Family To Do” column with family.

■    If symptomatic, get allergen testing to determine if you are allergic to dust mites.

Will do actions listed above except: 

Will advise family as listed above except: 

Carpet

■    Review items in “Family To Do” column with family.

■    Clean wall to wall carpet with vacuum weekly.

■    Shake area rugs outside weekly.

■    If carpet is more than 8 years old, consider replacing it with smooth wipeable flooring to reduce dust exposure. 

Will do actions listed above except: 

Will advise family as listed above except: 

Dust catchers

■   Review items in “Family To Do” column with family.

■    Reduce dust with less clutter.

■    Seal clutter in bags or boxes.

Will do actions listed above except: 

Will advise family as listed above except: 

Windows

■   If patient is allergic to dust mites, review items in “Family To Do” column with family.

■    If symptomatic, get allergen testing to determine if you are allergic to dust.

■    Use window treatments that are wipeable. 

■    Avoid curtains and drapes to reduce excessive dust exposure.

Will do actions listed above except: 

Will advise family as listed above except: