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Discussion

What to say?

I'm a new lpn I work in a ltc. I have really bad phone anxiety when it comes to calling the doctor I just don't know what to say without messing up. For example when labs come in I'm suppose to call whether it's normal or abnormal. Like how should I start off especially when it goes to voicemail. I just don't want to pause on the phone. Can someone give me an example of a good script of what to tell the doc when you get normal or abnormal results. How should I start off?

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    "Good afternoon. This is (your name) from (your facility) calling lab results on (patient name). Read results. Thank you."

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    You can use SBAR when they pick up the phone:

    Situation: Hi Dr So-and-So, calling you to let you know the hemoglobin on patient A just dropped by ... .

    Background: patient's last hgb was ... . (anything relevant here (GI bleeder, recent surgery, fall etc).

    Assessment: patient is breathing unlabored 18 RR per min, O 2 sat 95% on RA, skin is slightly pale.

    Recommendation: Would you like me to do x, y, or z?

    If it is a voicemail, I just leave my name and extension ans say I need orders. Don't worry, call them more and you will be more comfortable. I hated calling docs in the beginning and now it has become normal.

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    "Good afternoon. This is (your name) from (your facility) calling lab results on (patient name). Read results. Thank you."

    This works well for normals. For abnormals you'd also want to include their background and assessment.

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    This works well for normals. For abnormals you'd also want to include their background and assessment.

    Keeping in mind this is LTC and most have some adnormal labs (and have had for years) - take a quick look back at previous labs for a comparison. You might mention "BUN is 45, but I see it was 70 2 weeks ago" or "BUN is 45 and it looks like it's been about that for the past 6 months. She is still taking Lasix 40mg BID".

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    Keeping in mind this is LTC and most have some adnormal labs (and have had for years) - take a quick look back at previous labs for a comparison. You might mention "BUN is 45, but I see it was 70 2 weeks ago" or "BUN is 45 and it looks like it's been about that for the past 6 months. She is still taking Lasix 40mg BID".

    True. My word... I think I would just ask to fax nonurgent labs to their office instead of calling.

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    • Author

    Thank you all!! But even for normals we still have to call them and type a DAR note if the labs. Yeateeday I had a PT/INR come in it was lower than her normal. Luckily the doctor was in the building I was able to show him and ask if I should continue her current dose and we did.

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