About this topic
These discharge instructions are very general. They are the common things that most patients need to know when going home. Talk to your doctor to learn more about how to care for your exact illness. This sheet may help you come up with questions to ask your doctor. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you understand everything the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk with your doctor about any therapy you may need. Ask if you need to use heat, ice, or other treatments.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you feel tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Ask your doctor when you can get the results of any tests you had done. Make sure you know the names of the tests. Be sure to call to get results.
- Ask your doctor if you need to go see a specialist for your illness.
- Ask your doctor if you need any therapy to help with your recovery.
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor if: ‚
- You may continue to take your regular drugs
- You need to take any new drugs. Be sure you know why you are taking the drug and what to watch for.
- You see the same drug listed two times on the discharge form
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activity or exercise. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity or exercise for you.
- Ask your doctor about home activities. These may be things like going up and down stairs or doing household chores.
- Talk to your doctor about when it is safe for you to go back to normal activities like work, driving, or sex.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your personal diet plan. Ask if you need to make changes to the way you normally eat.
- Ask your doctor if you need to avoid any foods. Some foods could work against the new drugs you are taking.
- Ask if it is safe for you to drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Good hygiene can help prevent many illnesses. ‚
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues. You can also cough into your elbow.
- Avoid getting too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Avoid sharing your towels or hankies with anyone who is sick. Clean commonly handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
- Avoid drinking from others cups or sharing food from the same plate with others.
- Stay indoors and avoid public places such as malls and schools, especially if your immune system is low from other illnesses or after surgery.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; very bad sore throat; ear or sinus pain; cough; more sputum or change in color of sputum; pain with passing urine; mouth sores; wound that will not heal; or anal itching or pain.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet, drugs, or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or am not feeling better in 2 to 3 days.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚