Triage Assessment

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Specializes in OB, ER, Surgery, Flight Nursing.

I am wondering what questions you ask all of your patients when they present to triage, whether it be to be evaluated for labor or for an outpatient NST? I feel like we are gathering way too much information that is not pertinent if the patient is not going to be admitted. Thanks!

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

For a labor check, I would ask them when ctx started, pain scale, any VB or fluid, any recent intercourse. If it's preterm, I would ask them about hx risk, any s/sx of UTI/pyelo, when is the last time they ate or drank anything.

With all OB patients, regardless of why they're there, I would ask about fetal movement and pre-eclampsia s/sx (headache, blurry vision, scotoma).

And then depending on their answers or presenting complaint, I would tailor it.

What questions do you ask that you think is too much?

Specializes in OB, ER, Surgery, Flight Nursing.

Our nurses are doing DVT risk assessments, domestic violence screening, depression screening, and a fall risk assessment on every patient. I just feel like this is more appropriate to if the patient is being admitted?

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I agree with the domestic violence screening. As far as DVT, fall risk, depression - do you have access to the patient's prenatal chart?

I always start with the pertinent questions, but we're required to ask about every single thing you could imagine every time. Doesn't matter why they are there.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
I agree with the domestic violence screening. As far as DVT, fall risk, depression - do you have access to the patient's prenatal chart?

Another thought....what do you do with that information if they are triaged and sent home? If the woman indicates she's struggling with depression, for instance....do you intervene in any way? Contact her primary provider?

Specializes in Behavioral Health.

Is it part of Meaningful Use maybe?

Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

And don't forget to screen everyone for ebola!

Specializes in Emergency/Trauma/LDRP/Ortho ASC.

ER nurse here (I hope to end up in l&d so I lurk) all that stuff is JCAHO required for everyone at triage into the hospital.

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