Reporting Symptoms to the Doctor
In reporting symptoms to the doctor, the home nurse
should describe the character of the illness, the
complaints of the patient, and her observations on the
following signs and symptoms:
- The degree of severity, the duration, and
the location of any pain and how the pain is
affected by a change in body position or by eating.
The pain may be a dull ache or it may be acute,
shooting, or stabbing.
- The temperature and the pulse rate.
- The location, color, and amount of any
bleeding
- The color and character of the stools, the
vomitus, the sputum, the urine, or other body
discharges. If a discharge is unusual in appearance,
a sample should be saved in a covered container for
the doctor to examine.
- The patient’s behavior, how he says he feels,
and the length of time any unfavorable condition has
been noticeable.
- Any other unusual condition noted, such as
a rash, a discoloration of the skin, or a swelling
of any part of the body.
- Any first aid or treatment given to
relieve the patient.
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