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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
ANESTHESIA ALERT
motivated to improve. We'll also ask their primary care provider or
family members for observations. They'll tell you a lot about how a
patient is really doing.
Spare no details.
A detailed chart gives you talking points and
direction for treatment. Take comprehensive notes to help you
remember patients' physiological and physical states during their last
visit. Jot down how patients answer your questions, their mood, how
they look at someone in the room who is with them. Are they quick to
anger? Do they admit irritation? How groomed are they? How are they
standing? Do they look to be in more or less pain since their last visit?
What's their level of focus? Document anything that could provide
insight into their well-being and the effectiveness of your treatment
plan. OSM
Ms. Rowles (
jsrowles@earthlink .net
) is a nurse anesthetist at Meridian
Health Group, an interdisciplinary pain management clinic in Carmel, Ind.
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