Jennifer Serafin, N.P.

Caring.com Expert

About

Jennifer Serafin is a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner at the Jewish Home in San Francisco, where she provides primary care and management of acute illnesses. Jennifer also leads staff teaching sessions and is a member of many of the facility's committees: Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Infection Control, Policy and Procedure, and Formulary. Her nursing specialties include cardiology, urology, and gynecology. She is the past-president of the local chapter of the National Conference of Gerontologic Nurse Practitioners, a member of the California Association of Nurse Practitioners, and associate clinical professor for the Physiological Nursing Department at University of California, San Francisco.

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Science Degree as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, with a minor in teaching, from the University of California San Francisco.

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Saturday February 04, 2012

    1. Should I explain to My Broter in Law who has alzhiemers that his wife has cancer and is dying?

      Answer - This is a tough question! Sorry that you are in such a tough spot.

  2. Tuesday January 17, 2012

    1. Why would the nurse say "your mother is dying"?

      Answer - Reading your question, I would say that it sounds like you were caught off guard by the nurse's comment. I don't think she meant to scare you or shock you, but she was trying to tell you from experience what she sees. Being a nurse myself, I know that we are trained to see the signs that people are dying long before they actually do...

  3. Thursday December 08, 2011

    1. How would constipation cause a urinary tract infection?

      Answer - Constipation can increase the chances of bladder infections in two ways. First, if stool gets stuck in the rectum, it inhibits the emptying of the bladder, which can cause some people to retain urine. Urine retention leads to stagnant urine, which is a breeding ground for microbial growth, which will lead to a bladder infection...

  4. Tuesday November 15, 2011

    1. Is it ok to take Ambien with Zoloft, Benadryl, and Nexium?

      Answer - Benedryl (diphenhydramine)is a powerful antihistamine. It works by blocking the response of smooth muscle in your nose/sinuses to histamine, which is a potent vasodilator released during an allergy attack. This is what makes your nose run when exposed to an allergen, eventually causing sinus congestion...

  5. Thursday November 03, 2011

    1. What do you do when your parent refuses to do the test the doctor has ordered?

      Answer - If my parent refused to do a test that the doctor had ordered, I would sit down with them and talk with them about it. Perhaps your loved one has a good reason for not doing it, and you just need to hear the reason why.

  6. Friday October 21, 2011

    1. Is it normal to still have pain three years after I broke my hip?

      Answer - Reading your question, I agree that you should not have this much pain if your hip is fixed, especially at your young age. My first thought is that there is something else causing your pain, such as sciatica, which is a painful nerve condition of the hip/buttocks on one side of the body...

    2. Is it possible to get monthly shipments of incontinence products?

      Answer - If you want larger supplies of incontinence products, you should check out the internet. There are many companies out there that offer larger supplies and will ship them directly to your home. Good luck!

    3. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

      Answer - Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of a nerve in your wrist. This nerve runs from your forearm through a "tunnel" in the wrist (called the carpal tunnel) out to the hand. If something presses on the nerve or irritates it, this can lead to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

  7. Wednesday October 19, 2011

    1. What's the best way to transfer someone from a wheelchair to a vehicle?

      Answer - Transferring from a wheelchair to a car seat is difficult, as it involves multiple steps. Many car seats are low to the ground, so that can pose a challenge as well, especially if someone is unsteady or has painful knees. If your mother is uncooperative, it may be because she is afraid of falling during...

  8. Tuesday October 18, 2011

    1. How can I get the training I need to become a caregiver?

      Answer - Caregiving, even with experience, is tough work. I appreciate that you are trying to do a good job, and I think it is great that you are so caring!

    2. Do testosterone tests also check for other types of hormones?

      Answer - Testosterone production is started in the hypothalamus, which produces gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GRH). This goes to the pituitary gland, stimulating it to release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones travel through the bloodstream to activate the testicles in men to produce testosterone...

  9. Saturday October 15, 2011

    1. What type of care should I research for my wife with progressive multiple sclerosis?

      Answer - Reading through your question, it sounds like you are working pretty hard to take care of your wife right now, and this is not going to get easier with a disease like multiple sclerosis. The amount of lifting and other physical care you do certainly takes a toll on you, physically as well as mentally...

    2. How will anesthetic effect my mother with memory loss and are their any alternatives?

      Answer - When having a major operation, such as a knee replacement, the best source of information about anethesia's effects on a patient would be the anesthesiologist. Your mother would have a consultation with one prior to any major surgery, as they assess the risks of anethesia for her, looking closely at her medical history and current medical conditions...

    3. How can I make it easier to my husband to take pills that cannot be crushed?

      Answer - Klor-Clon is a long acting potassium pill. By crushing it, the potassium gets quickly absorbed into the body, which can increase the potassium level in the bloodstream too much. Crushing the pill can also increase the risk of side effects from the medication, especially stomach upset.

  10. Friday October 07, 2011

    1. Is fibromyalgia genetic?

      Answer - There is some evidence that genetics does play a role in fibromyalgia. It can run in families, but we are not sure why. More research is being done in this area as we speak, so we may find out the answer within the next few years.

    2. Is it normal to regulate a loved ones bowel movements by using laxatives?

      Answer - One way to manage someone's constipation is to find out how often they normally would go when they were younger, and use that as a guide. For example, most people have a stool at least every other day, so that schedule is what you would try to mimic using laxative therapy. You can also use the consistency of the stool as a guide...

  11. Thursday October 06, 2011

    1. I think my mother is addicted to painkillers, what should I do?

      Answer - Reading through your letter, I know that you are frustrated with your mother. Speaking from experience, I know it is difficult to help people who are having problems and then refuse your help or advice.

    2. Can the esophagus heal on it's own?

      Answer - I am sorry that your father is having so much difficulty, as he is still so young. My first thought when reading your questions was that the doctors working on your father should have talked to you about what to expect now, especially since he survived the sepsis...

  12. Wednesday October 05, 2011

    1. How serious is a broken rib for a diabetic?

      Answer - Broken ribs can occur during an injury, such as a fall, car accident or a sports injury. Ribs that have really broken in two can cause initial damage to a blood vessel or lung, which would cause emergent shortness of breath. However, most broken ribs are just cracked, not really separated in two...

  13. Monday October 03, 2011

    1. What kind of doctor should I take my husband to for the edema in his knee?

      Answer - Reading your letter, I must tell you that I do not like the sound of this. I think he might have a blood clot in the leg, also known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). He needs to be seen by either his doctor today, or he should go to the Emergency Room, as this can be dangerous!

  14. Friday September 30, 2011

    1. What is intravascular ultrasound?

      Answer - Intravascular ultrasound is an imaging test that uses catheters with a tiny ultrasound probe attached at the end of them to take pictures of the inner walls blood vessels. This test is used most frequently used to show the amount of plaque built up inside the coronary (heart) arteries, to determine if heart surgery is needed...

    2. Besides medication, what are some ways to treat depression?

      Answer - There are many ways to help treat mild depression besides prescription medications. These include:

  15. Thursday September 29, 2011

    1. What is low level laser therapy?

      Answer - Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment option that uses lasers to alter the body's cells, which will hopefully decrease pain. There is still research being done to see how effective it is on certain joint problems like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), or arthritis.

    2. How can I help my client understand her heart monitor?

      Answer - I believe the device you are talking about is an Event Monitor, which is worn by someone who may have some type of heart beat abnormality. The device has a button that you are supposed to push when you feel palpitations, dizziness, faint, or chest pain, and it will record the EKG of the heart...

    3. My mother in law with alzheimers uses too much toothpase, will swallowing some harm her?

      Answer - Swallowing toothpaste is not healthy, as many brands have strong chemicals in them to whiten teeth. Also, fluoride is added to strengthen teeth, but it can be harmful if swallowed in high quantities.