Patients who don't know their med Hx or what meds they take?

eventsnyc · Dec 30, 2001

Rick,

Very nice of you to give us the link to the letter. I am going to make copies for my friends. You are the Best.

Christina

prmenrs, RN · Dec 30, 2001

Let's not forget the positive reinforcement on those occasions when they DO bring in Hx, drug list/doses, etc.!!

When I discharge a baby from NICU, they get a copy of the d/c summary (actually 2), and an explanation of what it is and why it's important; another is faxed to the pediatrician for whom they have an appointment. I emphasize that they are to take it to the ER if the baby gets sick, but to have the ER COPY and return the original, so they have it if they need it again.

funnynurse · Dec 31, 2001

This is not just a problem in er and home health. I work in preadmission testing for surgery, You would not believe how many patients don't know what they are on. A lot of patients have to call us back with their med lists just so we can tell them what not to take on the day of surgery!

grouchy · Dec 31, 2001

Several weeks ago, I did an admission on a patient who had come in for a cardiac cath, partly to R/O the cause of increasing DOE. Had a signifigant cardiac history. Alert, oriented, memory intact. Told me she was on Lasix. I asked her when she last took it. She thought a minute and answered..."Oh, about a month ago"!

RNed · Dec 31, 2001

My Mom is a cardiac patient. I explained every medication to her more than a few times. I made a list and keep it on my computer. I have made several lists for her home and personally placed it on her refridgerator. A list is in her purse. On her last outing she forgot to take her purse.

I go over to her house and there are pictures of the grandkids and the list is gone. I ask how much lasix are you taking and she says " two pills a day". Zestril is "1/2 pill per day". Potassium is the "really big pill" She calls and asks why her B.S is 160 when yesterday it was 143. She has been doing this for five years, now and I doubt she will ever improve her understanding of medications, dosage, etc.

She complains of how far it is to the Doctors office from the car and every blood test and visit is a "waste". She does not understand why they can't "fix" it. Her Doctor visit takes an hour and she tells everyone it was "all day long!"

It is amazing she is still alive. Her Doctor agrees with me.

Aren't old people funny !!!!

CEN35 · Dec 31, 2001

thanks for finding that link p_rn. i didn't have time.

me :)

p.s. - in a different direction; on a seperate note......i got both messages thank you!!

CEN35 · Jan 1, 2002

DAB · Jan 10, 2002

Y'all would love my dad. I'll ask him what his BS is and he'll say it was only 153 before breakfast or say that his BP is pretty good for someone who weighs as much as he does or he really can do without his diabetes meds "for a couple of days".

When we send anyone from our facility (developmental disabilities respite care center) to the ER we make a copy of their kardex along with copies of significant history, important numbers, etc. for such info.

Having worked floor nursing, I know how important such info is for others but honestly I don't have a copy of my meds in my purse. Bad nurse . . . bad nurse!