Question about Charting/Documentation...

[robynnelpnstudent]

Hey everybody, I just had a quick question. I have been reading the ATI book to study for the NCLEX (even though I am only in my first term out of 5 terms) and there was something about charting that I had a question on. I was just wondering, when you are documenting on someone's chart say you forgot to add something to the chart, is there a time limit on how long you have to add that to the chart? if so, how long?

Ok, if you couldn't understand the question how I worded it, here it is:

When you're doing a late entry on a chart, what is the time limit on late entries? Is there one?

Also, one more question:

With an older client, why does an increase in cilia cause an increased risk for Respiratory Infections?

All help is appreciated thanks!

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

when you're doing a late entry on a chart, what is the time limit on late entries? is there one?

no, no limit. when you realize there is something that you forgot to put into a chart, you simply, write the date and time and chart what you need to say.

with an older client, why does an increase in cilia cause an increased risk for respiratory infections?

my guess would be that the cilia are a medium for mucus to collect. the cilia probably lose their motility with the patient's age and the patient loses their ability to cough effectively as well. if cilia become entangled with mucus and lose the ability to sweep material up and out, the mucus will slide down into the lungs if the patient cannot cough it up and out. once bacteria take residence in the moist sputum, it's a matter of time before the bacteria lands in the lung tissue and a respiratory infection results.

[robynnelpnstudent]

Thanks! I was getting so confused and having trouble understanding the thing about the cilia, but it makes sense the way that you said it. Thanks for helping clear those two questions up for me!