Mandated assessments

Trauma Columnist · Feb 16, 2004

Why would that be necessary on all ER pts?

Terryw · Feb 17, 2004

In my opinion it is not necessary. However we are being told that it is a JCAHO requirement to screen all pts for domestic violence, functional and nutritional needs. If a need is identified, then we must have a plan. I'm just wondering if or how this is handled elsewhere.

RNin92 · Feb 17, 2004

In my opinion it is not necessary. However we are being told that it is a JCAHO requirement to screen all pts for domestic violence, functional and nutritional needs. If a need is identified, then we must have a plan. I'm just wondering if or how this is handled elsewhere.

Our ED admission forms are really the first part of the floor admission paperwork. So those forms have us ask about domestic violence. I don't believe we address nutrition or functional needs unless theyu are inpatient admits.

trsnurse · Feb 17, 2004

Our ED admission forms are really the first part of the floor admission paperwork. So those forms have us ask about domestic violence. I don't believe we address nutrition or functional needs unless theyu are inpatient admits.

Our ED admission forms have just recently become the first part of the floor admission paperwork. We are also having to address such issues (that are not ER relavent). So you can only imagine the frustration of the floor nurses now when there is a direct admit to the floor, and they have to initiate the paperwork....in someways this is just more E.R. abuse.:angryfire

TinyNurse, RN · Feb 17, 2004

Is anyone doing functional and nutritional assessments in the ED ?

I guess I do it in the long notes anyways..... pt amb to ed, or pt appears emaciated...... type of stuff on initial assessment.

not required to do so, unless we have a hold in ED which the admitting doc requires thost things also.

jaimealmostRN · Feb 17, 2004

I think it's important to always ask about domestic violence. We do it in our ED at triage, and I believe that other areas of health care are asking to. The other day at the dentist I was asked! I think this is great b/c as far as I know it isn't required by any governing body (correct me if I'm wrong). We don't generally ask about nutrition or living arrangements unless it is relevent to discharge or aftercare/follow-up (ie. homeless, no running water/electricity).

trsnurse · Feb 17, 2004

I think it's important to always ask about domestic violence. We do it in our ED at triage, and I believe that other areas of health care are asking to. The other day at the dentist I was asked! I think this is great b/c as far as I know it isn't required by any governing body (correct me if I'm wrong). We don't generally ask about nutrition or living arrangements unless it is relevent to discharge or aftercare/follow-up (ie. homeless, no running water/electricity).

I think JCAHO is now requiring it as part of assessment; our ED is having to initiate questions re: diet, abuse etc.

LilgirlRN, ADN, RN · Feb 18, 2004

going down the list of things I ask in triage:

have you ever been exposed to tuberculosis?

do you smoke/drink/use illicit drugs?

has anyone close to you ever threatened to harm you?

then I weigh them, i dont ask how much they weigh, everyone gets weighed, so in a round about way i suppose i am asking about nutrition

RNin92 · Feb 18, 2004

going down the list of things I ask in triage:
have you ever been exposed to tuberculosis?
do you smoke/drink/use illicit drugs?
has anyone close to you ever threatened to harm you?
then I weigh them, i dont ask how much they weigh, everyone gets weighed, so in a round about way i suppose i am asking about nutrition

we also ask...

have you had all your shots? (are you a puppy?!!?)

any family hx of CAD,CHF,DM,PVD...? (any other letters?)

do you want people to know you are in the er? (isn't that ahy they came?!!?)

who in your family is the designated information person? (ANYONE trustworthy?)

do you have advanced directives? (is it your time, or what?)

oh my God...the list seems to grow every day!

how about bend over and someone hand me a scope!!?!!

by the time my "required by JCAHO, Public Health..." questions are asked we have all aged 5 years!!!

trsnurse · Feb 18, 2004

we also ask...
have you had all your shots? (are you a puppy?!!?)
any family hx of CAD,CHF,DM,PVD...? (any other letters?)
do you want people to know you are in the er? (isn't that ahy they came?!!?)
who in your family is the designated information person? (ANYONE trustworthy?)
do you have advanced directives? (is it your time, or what?)
oh my God...the list seems to grow every day!
how about bend over and someone hand me a scope!!?!!
by the time my "required by JCAHO, Public Health..." questions are asked we have all aged 5 years!!!

ha ha ha- aint it the truth:rotfl:

Triage is taking longer and longer. So much for the days of wanting to be in triage for the simplicity of only having one person to deal with at a time. Now you have so much to ask, and do in triage; of course I am one who happens to dislike triage, so I don't have pleasant things to say about it anyway, but your right about aging 5 years. :rotfl:

gwenith, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2004

Please forgive me for asking a really simple question but do LMO's have to ask thier new patients these questions also or is it only a requirement of ED staff??