just in case you didn't see the input in another forum, make sure you see this month's issue of Good Housekeeping (November--Dr Phil's on the cover).
Let's start on page 62: "The first person you'll meet at the ER is the triage nurse, who decides how quickly you need to be seen. No matter when your problem actually started, never say more than four hours ago; it will seem less pressing. (But tell the doctor exactly when symptoms began."..............I sent a nasty email to GH on this one, we already face enough problems as nurses in ER without a magazine telling people to LIE to us. and we know that sometimes docs just go by what's on the triage sheet without actually listening to the patient. Got a reply by GH that says this was written by an ER doc at a large trauma center, but they will pass my comment along......
Further down the page "To stop a nosebleed, blow out all the clots." WHAT??? what if your diastolic BP is > than your IQ????
Page 60: "In the hospital, designate a friend or relative to ask questions or complain. That way, you won't be viewed as a 'problem patient' which can often mean less attention from staff."
