charting

[girlfromtx]

We are always told not to chart that the patient is sleeping. however, what if I chart, "pt was sleeping, but arouses easily from sleep." that should be ok right, b/c that would show that they aren't dead because they woke up? i charted that in part of my notes, and left the hospital, then thought, hmmm, maybe shouldn't have done that. what are everyone's opinions?

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I put "eyes closed, respirations unlabored", or "sleeping, respirationis even and unlabored" or "respirations WNL" .............the point is "sleeping" could be mistaken for comatose or dead and you want a jury to know you took the time to watch them breathe. At least that was how I learned years ago.

But I'm sure "sleeping" implies that they are breathing. But if you're not actually arousing them, then don't chart that you are.

[girlfromtx]

Thanks for all of the input everyone. So what I am taking from all of this is that it is fine to say that they are sleeping, but then add other comments about respirations, etc. So I guess I am covered b/c I always write about rr lol.

[creativemind]

I'm just repling on your concern about charting. You kinda sound like me. I'm always asking infomation about the correct way to document info. I'm pleased to know that I've been writing the right info., sometimes I feel nursing can be so hard. I've only been a nurse for 2yrs. So I want to make sure that I'm doing everything the right way. Cause no harm to the patient/resident or myself. Hope to hear from you soon.

[psalm, RN]

Resting, eyes closed, tv on, volume low, lights low. OR

Resting, eyes closed, tv on, volume high, lights on blah blah blah

...if I am checking 30min. after a PRN pain med,

Resting, eyes closed, does not respond to name said softly. Respirations regular, lying on back.

...if a med-seeking person who's always on the light 10 min. before the med due I will check and document

...Resting, eyes closed, sl snoring, does not respond to name called softly.

OR

...resting, eyes closed, moaning softly, etc...

I usually document the position also so I can see how often the pt. is moving himself or if he is being turned as ordered. We were told to not use the word sleeping b/c we don't know if they are really sleeping.

[loriangel14, RN]

BTW the term is "rouse" not "arouse". Arouse is a sexual reference.

[elkpark]

BTW the term is "rouse" not "arouse". Arouse is a sexual reference.

Actually, either is correct. "Arouse" doesn't have to refer to sexual arousal, just as "intercourse" has other meaning besides sexual intercourse. It's just that we hear both terms used most often in that context ...

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

For patients who looked like they were sleeping I always charted: Eyes closed. Respirations deep, regular and unlabored.

You would be surprised how many times you might think someone is sleeping, but isn't. There really isn't a good way to know unless you arouse them. Of course, if they are snoring, softly or loudly, I would chart that as: Eyes closed. Respirations deep, regular, unlabored and soft (or, loud) and sonorous.

[TexasPediRN]

"Patient Sleeping, Resp's Easy, unlabored"

Sleeping and breathing- catches it all! I use it a lot. :)

[loriangel14, RN]

I just took a long section at school and we were told that it is "rouse" and that "arouse" means sexual response. oh well i guess as long as they know what you mean.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

from www.dictionary.com

[/url]

3 entries found for arouse.

a-rouse ( p ) [color=#0033ff]pronunciation key (-rouz)

v. a-roused, a-rous-ing, a-rous-es

v. tr.

1. to awaken from or as if from sleep.
   
2. to stir up; excite: the odd sight aroused our curiosity. see synonyms at [color=#0033ff]provoke.
   
3. to stimulate sexual desire in.

v. intr. to be or become aroused.

[from rouse, on the model of such pairs as rise, arise.] a-rousal n.

[[color=#0033ff]download now or [color=#0033ff]buy the book]

[color=#0033ff]source: the american heritage® dictionary of the english language, fourth edition

copyright © 2000 by houghton mifflin company.

published by houghton mifflin company. all rights reserved.

main entry: arouse

pronunciation: &-'rauz

function: transitive verb

inflected forms: aroused; arous-ing

1 : to rouse or stimulate to action or to physiological readiness for activity

2 : to give rise to

[color=#0033ff]source: merriam-webster's medical dictionary, © 2002 merriam-webster, inc.

arouse

v 1: call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses); "arouse pity"; "raise a smile"; "evoke sympathy" [syn: [color=#0033ff]elicit, [color=#0033ff]enkindle, [color=#0033ff]kindle, [color=#0033ff]evoke, [color=#0033ff]fire, [color=#0033ff]raise, [color=#0033ff]provoke] 2: stop sleeping; "she woke up to the sound of the alarm clock" [syn: [color=#0033ff]wake up, [color=#0033ff]awake, [color=#0033ff]awaken, [color=#0033ff]wake, [color=#0033ff]come alive, [color=#0033ff]waken] [ant: [color=#0033ff]fall asleep] 3: evoke or call forth, with or as if by magic; "raise the specter of unemployment"; "he conjured wild birds in the air"; "stir a disturbance"; "call down the spirits from the mountain" [syn: [color=#0033ff]raise, [color=#0033ff]conjure, [color=#0033ff]conjure up, [color=#0033ff]invoke, [color=#0033ff]evoke, [color=#0033ff]stir, [color=#0033ff]call down, [color=#0033ff]bring up, [color=#0033ff]put forward, [color=#0033ff]call forth] 4: cause to be alert and energetic; "coffee and tea stimulate me"; "this herbal infusion doesn't stimulate" [syn: [color=#0033ff]stimulate, [color=#0033ff]brace, [color=#0033ff]energize, [color=#0033ff]energise, [color=#0033ff]perk up] [ant: [color=#0033ff]de-energize, [color=#0033ff]sedate] 5: cause to become awake or conscious; "he was roused by the drunken men in the street"; "please wake me at 6 am." [syn: [color=#0033ff]awaken, [color=#0033ff]wake, [color=#0033ff]waken, [color=#0033ff]rouse, [color=#0033ff]wake up] [ant: [color=#0033ff]cause to sleep] 6: to begin moving, "as the thunder started the sleeping children began to stir" [syn: [color=#0033ff]stir] 7: stimulate sexually; "this movie usually arouses the male audience" [syn: [color=#0033ff]sex, [color=#0033ff]excite, [color=#0033ff]turn on, [color=#0033ff]wind up]

[color=#0033ff]source: wordnet ® 2.0, © 2003 princeton university

[girlfromtx]

lol angie o'plasty. i did the same thing! you posted a split second before me! but i went to merriam-webster instead

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

lol angie o'plasty. i did the same thing! you posted a split second before me! but i went to merriam-webster instead

Great minds....