Table Talk in the Hospital
May 12 2012 in Denise's Blog, Your Caregiving Journey by Denise
This morning’s Table Talk took place in the hospital; Trish called in from Robert’s hospital room. You can listen to our show via the player below.
Trish gave us an update on Robert’s status: He was admitted to ICU last night because of concern he has sepsis (a serious infection in the bloodstream; you can more here). It’s still a concern, but his blood pressure is up, a good sign.
Trish described the importance of being an informed advocate during a caree’s hospitalization. An attending wanted to take Robert off his seizure medication. Trish stepped in to make sure nothing was changed without the approval of Robert’s neurologist. Because of her involvement, a critical error (taking Robert off his much-needed medication) was avoided.
I asked Trish what she’s packed for her day at the hospital. She’s got a book, her iPhone, her phone charger and Robert’s toiletries. I also asked for her top tips of managing a caree’s hospitalization; they are:
1. Appoint one main contact for all interactions with hospital staff. One contact minimizes confusion and miscommunication.
2. Keep notes. It’s a looooong day in the hospital and it’s impossible to remember everything.
3. Bring a copy of your caree’s medication list, which you go over with each shift’s staff.
4. Get to the know the staff–a good relationship with the staff helps you get good care.
Please feel free to add your tips in our comments section below.
We’re so grateful that Trish joined us this morning. We wish Robert a very speedy recovery.
Resources
- Preventing Delirium in Your Hospitalized Caree
- Suggestions to Help a Caree’s Hospital Confusion
- Hospital Helps (caregiving.com)
- Quick Tip: Have a Bag Ready for Hospitalization (caregiving.com)
- Updated Discharge Planning Guide Available (caregiving.com)
- Booklet Helps Ease the Stress of Hospitalization for Persons with Memory Loss (caregiving.com)
Related Articles
- Prepare, Prepare, Prepare (caregiving.com)
- Talking Helmets, Malls and Belonging (caregiving.com)
- Epilepsy: Your Questions Answered (caregiving.com)
- Epilepsy Questions Answered (Part Two) (caregiving.com)
roaringmouse said on May 12, 2012
Trish – please tell your brother we’ve said prayers for him! And you too!
Denise: Love this list! Here’s my additions:
1. Just because a near medication mishap occurred doesn’t mean it won’t happen again. If you have to, post a sign above his bed that says Epilepsy concern!
2. Get cards of all doctors who see your caree so you can call them up if you have a concern.
3. Did you add on that med list the purpose of each med?
4. Whenever I came on the floor the first thing I always do is check in with the charge nurse and my hubby’s nurse to find out what occurred while I wasn’t there, events occurring and concerns they have.
…(my additions)
5. Check to make sure that there are no needles, caps, tubes, etc. underneath the caree. Not only is this dangerous in and of itself, but can cause skin breakdown. If you ever see this, don’t move it…snap a picture …then get the nurse in. The picture is in case the situation is ignored and/or repeated…you have documentation.
6. Bring Chlorox wipes with you. Wipe down the tray table, bed rails, phone, bed/tv remotes, and anything else that you/or the caree would touch on daily basis in the hospital. I even wiped down the sinks and nurses stations. Why? Because “ALL” of these are the first place to get re-infected and/or spread infection!!!
7. Make sure all medical staff wash their hands before and after touching your caree. It makes a difference!
(personal note…my husband complained last night that his bed rail smelled funny…upon closer inspection I saw that it had not been cleaned in days and was visibly dirty. Did he get the Klepsiella from that? In the hospital I’d say yes…and I have plenty of reason to be suspicious that our help didn’t clean it here at home either.
ejourneys said on May 12, 2012
Trish, thank you so much for not only being a fantastic caregiver, but for being an awesome teacher as well.
The only thing I can think of to add is that any time a nurse reports or confirms an observation, especially anything out of the ordinary, ask that individual to record it on the patient flowsheet. It should be done automatically but sometimes is not.
Also, patient flowsheets are not automatically provided with hospital records. They cost extra and must be asked for specifically, but they also provide a useful paper trail. They should provide a comprehensive log of everything that’s happened in connection with the patient during a nurse’s shift.
Keeping you and Robert in my thoughts and prayers. *Hugs*
Trish said on May 13, 2012
Roaring Mouse & EJourneys, Thank you for your extra tips — they are much appreciated! I’ve been able to stay through all shift changes and have caught the doctor each day so feel they are all on the same page with his care. I hadn’t thought of asking for the flowsheets but will keep that in mind. The support from everyone here is so, so helpful!