check-out checklist
Questions to Ask
Before You Leave the Hospital
Understanding my health condition Understanding my continuing care
What is my diagnosis?
What kind of tests will I need after I leave the hospital?
(Examples: X-rays, blood tests)
What are normal symptoms I can expect?
(Examples: soreness, tiredness, no appetite)
What kind of physical therapy will I need to do, if any?
What symptoms should I call a doctor or 911 about?
What equipment will I need after I leave the hospital?
(Examples: severe pain, dizziness, extreme tiredness) (Examples: wheelchair, supplemental oxygen, safety rails)
Will I get a follow-up visit from a doctor, nurse or case
Understanding my medications manager and if so, when?
t
e
What medications will I be taking?
a
r
o
Who can I call if I have questions or need help?
u
t
h
e
r
What are their dosages?
e
(Examples: one teaspoon, two tablets)
Taking care of myself
Why am I taking them?
How do I take care of my dressings?
When do I take them?
(Examples: first thing in the morning, before a meal)
What foods or drinks can or should I have?
(Examples: bananas, oatmeal)
How do I take them?
(Examples: injected into arm or leg, by mouth with water)
What foods or drinks should I avoid?
(Examples: coffee, salty food, alcohol)
Do they have any side effects?
(Examples: headache, dry mouth)
What kinds of activity can I do?
(Examples: walking, cooking)
Should I continue taking the medications I was on before
I went to the hospital?
What kinds of activity should I not do? (Examples: using
stairs, driving a car, cleaning the house)
Can I continue taking vitamins, herbs or other
supplements I took before I went to the hospital?
When will I be allowed to take a bath or shower?
by brooke c. wheeler
40 the patient magazine 2010
PT040__0FVP0_SP10checkout.indd 40 2/8/10 8:44 AM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44