HOSPITAL CHECKLIST

 

Patient Name: ________________________

Date of Visit: _________________________

Doctor: ______________________________

Phone No.:___________________________

 

BEFORE YOUR HOSPITAL VISIT

 

If You’re Taking Any Medication:

• Write down any medicines you're currently taking. List the exact name, dosage and number of times a day you take each medicine.
• Ask your doctor if he or she wants you to bring any medicines from home.
• Remember, never take any medication without first checking with your nurse once you're in the hospital.

 

Aspirin / Anti-Inflammatories:

• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories for 1 –2 weeks prior to surgical procedures or tests that could cause bleeding. If you're not sure if a particular medicine contains an anti-inflammatory or aspirin, ask your doctor.

 

Documents to Bring*: (We suggest you check these off as you accomplish each goal)

• Social security number.
• A form of personal identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or an official identification card.
• Medical plan information (health care card).
• Any outside medical records or lab results that could be useful.
• If you have a living will, or other advance directive, please bring a copy with you.

 

* Parents or legal guardians will need to sign for the admission of those under the age of 18.

 

Eating and Drinking:

• If your admission is for a surgical procedure, it’s important that you have nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the night before your surgery.
• If you are taking a medicine at home that has a morning dose, ask your doctor if he or she wants you to stop the medication the night before your admission/procedure.

 

Hygiene Instructions:

• Shower the night before, and avoid using perfumes, hair sprays, nail polish or makeup.
• If you wear contact lens, be sure to have your glasses to wear just before and after your procedure.

 

What to Pack:

• Toothbrush Slippers Robe
• Reading Material
• Comfortable clothing

 

NOTE: Leave valuables, such as jewelry or large amounts of cash, at home.

 

What to Wear:

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing to the hospital.

Cautions:

• DO NOT bring any electrical appliances or cellular phones.
• Hospitals have a no-smoking policy for patients and visitors in all areas.

 

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE HOSPITAL

 

What you should tell us:

• If you've ever had a reaction to a medicine, local anesthetic, tape, latex or skin cleanser.
• Any special needs you may have, such as religious or dietary preferences.
• If you'll need special physical assistance.
• If there's ANY possibility that you COULD be pregnant.
• If you've brought any prescriptions from home.

 

Please let your physician know if:

• You develop an acute illness or have an asthma attack within three days prior to your scheduled surgery.
• You've never had measles, mumps, or chicken pox but have been exposed to them within 21 days of your scheduled visit.

 

If you’re having a CAT scan or MRI:

• Tell the staff about any metallic devices or implants you have.
• If you are uncomfortable with tight places, it may be possible for you your doctor to give you something to help you relax during the test.

 

DURING YOUR STAY AT THE HOSPITAL

(Patients here for medical reasons may skip this section)

 

Patients here for surgical procedures or invasive tests:

• You'll need to have an IV so the staff can give you fluids and medicine before, during, and after the operation. This IV can be started in your room, but in most cases, it's started in the pre-operative holding area. For smaller children, it may be possible to start the IV in the operating room when they're already a little drowsy from the anesthetic. You may want to discuss these options with your anesthetist.
• If you’ve had any problems with anesthesia in the past, please be sure to tell your anesthetist. He or she will go over the basic risks and benefits of the anesthetic agents with you before giving you any medicines that would make you drowsy.
• Make a final check to be sure you aren't wearing any items such as false teeth, retainers, contacts, jewelry or hearing aids when you are heading to the operating room. If you are, the nursing staff can store them for you until your surgery is over.
• When you get to the operating room, the nurse will have you slide over from the gurney onto the operating table. Once you’re on the table, the anesthetist will put several cold sticky pads on your shoulders and back to monitor your heart. The staff will also put a blood pressure cuff on your arm and a small clip that looks like a clothespin on your finger. This clip monitors your body's oxygen levels.
• After surgery, the staff will help you move from the gurney to your bed. Don't be surprised if you still have an IV or some other equipment left over from your surgery.
• You may still feel a bit woozy or lightheaded after your surgery – that’s perfectly NORMAL. Let the nursing staff know how you’re feeling. And remember, the first time you get up, be sure to ask the staff for assistance.
• The nurses and technicians will monitor your vital signs, check your blood pressure and record your oxygen levels while you're waking up from the anesthetic.

 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOSPITAL

 

What to know before you leave:

• Your nursing staff will give you specific instructions about limitations on physical activity, diet, and proper use of medications.
• Your discharge plan will also include detailed instructions about what to do if you experience any problems like fever, infection, bleeding, or excessive pain, etc.
• Discuss a time for a follow-up visit with your doctor.

 

Prescription medications:

• You may need prescription medications. In some hospitals, the doctor's order for those medicines will be handled by one of the hospital pharmacies. In other cases,

your doctor may give you a written prescription or call one in to the pharmacy of your choice.

• If you have any questions about possible side effects or unusual drug interactions, talk with the pharmacist or call your doctor.
• Follow instructions on your prescription bottle exactly.

 

Billing:

• As a part of your discharge plan, you’ll need to stop by the hospital billing office where you can settle your account. The staff will provide directions.

 

Transportation Home:

• After any admission, you MUST have someone available to take you home. You may feel fine when it’s time to leave, but you could have a problem with drowsiness or nausea from medicines or lingering anesthetic. This could endanger you and others if you attempt to drive.

• If you are taking a child home: We recommend that there be two adults to take a child home after anesthesia – one to drive and one to care for the child.

 

AFTER YOUR STAY AT THE HOSPITAL

• Have someone available to check on you during the first few days you’re at home.
• If you feel that a particular medicine doesn’t seem to be working properly or you develop a rash or allergic symptoms, call your doctor. The doctor will decide if your medication should be continued, changed, or stopped.
• Never take old, expired medications or someone else’s medicine.
• Always dispose of unused medications promptly.
• NEVER drink alcohol while taking medications.

 

PERSONAL NOTES:

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