Need answers to some questions

elizabells, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

As far as your second question - that can really depend upon your unit protocol. Around here we've had problems with stuff being ordered TID, with the intention being q8h, and coming up on the MAR at 0800, 1400, and 2000. So just try to make sure that what is ordered is what is needed.

Not sure about the first, as our kids come straight from OR back up to the NICU. Good luck!

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

Can anyone clear up the following questions for me. Ive asked these questions of fellow students but seem to have gotten different answers and just want to get some consensus:
- a patient needs 'routine post anaesthetic obs' following his return to the surgical ward. Our protocol is 1/2 hourly for 4 hours, then 2 hrly for 4 hours then four hourly thereafter. Does this time frame start upon patients return to the ward, or do you include the time spent in the recovery room as part of the first four hours?
- QID - is this four times a day or 6 hrly? Does it depend on what you referring to ie. QID A/B's - are they given 6 hourly or 4 times throughout the day?
Stupid questions I know but Im in the most unsupportive environment I have ever come across at the moment and I daren't ask for fear of being made to look like a moron yet again!
Thanks

We were taught the time frame starts from when the pt gets to the floor. The PACU time isn't figured into the time frame.

QID is four times a day. Not necessiarily every 6 hrs. q6 would be given every 6 hrs. The docs order would ready qid or q6 depending on how many times its to be given.

Usually, the docs script will specify qid or q6. I know with my kids docs a/b's are given qid, because he doesn't want me to wake them in the middle of the night to give them. Other meds need to be given every 6hrs and it would be specified q6. some of the LTC residents I have clinicals at have a qid order and the facility has the times to be given if a qid or tid order..ie, a qid order is to be given at 8a, noon, 2p and 8p.

does that make sense?

deeDawntee, RN · Nov 4, 2007

Your questions are not at all stupid, because the answer to those questions will depend on your facility. Where I work, PACU assessments ARE part of the post-surgical vitals/assessments.

QID depends on the medication or treatment and should be verified with the Doc.

It concerns me that you are working in a place where you can't ask these very good questions! I am sorry that you have to put up with that. Do you have a CNS or educator you could ask?

Conrad283, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

At my hospital. Post op VS begin once the patient gets to the floor. QID is 4 times a day which would be 10,2,6,10, whereas Q6H would be 12,6,12,6.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

- a patient needs 'routine post anaesthetic obs' following his return to the surgical ward. Our protocol is 1/2 hourly for 4 hours, then 2 hrly for 4 hours then four hourly thereafter. Does this time frame start upon patients return to the ward, or do you include the time spent in the recovery room as part of the first four hours?

The time frame starts upon the patient's return to the ward.

- QID - is this four times a day or 6 hrly? Does it depend on what you referring to ie. QID A/B's - are they given 6 hourly or 4 times throughout the day?

It means "four times a day". 6 hrly is "q6h".