Charting (Sample)
Charting (Sample)
Charting (Sample)
The Focus Charting System is the accepted documentation system at Windsor Regional Hospital.
Focus Lists
Flow Sheets
Care Plans
Progress Notes
Example
Hypotension, or chest pain Inability to ambulate Loss of consciousness or increase in blood pressure Surgery Discharge planning need
1 2
11/12/01 11/12/01
Nursing, PT Nursing
Additional Information
Focus Lists must be regularly updated and expanded as the patients condition changes. Note: At discharge, focus list needs to be checked to ensure that all the foci have been addressed and / or resolved.
Flow Sheets
There are numerous pre-printed flow sheets available at WRH. These are helpful in accurately and concisely documenting routine and frequently collected data. Use flow sheets whenever it is logical and helpful to do so. For example: Any documentation which is required on a regular basis by hospital policy or standard. Any nursing care activity which is provided on a regular basis (i.e. activities of daily living).
Things to Remember
All flow sheets must be correctly dated and must contain the patients name on both sides. All entries on the flow sheets must be initialed (no use of check marks) by the person who assesses or provides the care and must have initials with full signature on a master copy. Any variances from normal should be recorded in DAR format.
Progress Notes
Are Used to: Provide detail to data in a flow sheet Document patient response to care Record an unusual or unexpected event Record changes in patient condition and notification to the MD Describe the status of the patient at the time of admission, transfer from one nursing unit to another, or at the time of discharge
When writing progress notes you should include information about: The details about the patients condition (assessment data) The interventions or nursing actions implemented and their effectiveness The patients response to care
D - Assessment done as per referral----------Left hand swollen. Digits in extension.--Painful to passive ranging.--------------A - Discussed splint use and benefits with Pt. Splint molded. On-off schedule developed. R - Pt. concerned splint will be painful ----K. Smith O.T.
is an acronym
Data - subjective & objective patient assessment data that supports the Focus Statement or describes observations of a significant event Action - immediate or future actions or plans of action or care based on the evaluation of assessment data Response - the patient response to the action taken.
1230
There may be more than one focus that requires charting at one time Progress notes must have a signature after each entry
Write patient progress notes only when necessary. The goal is to minimize duplication of information and to save time.
Date 22 June 98 Time 1500
Nrsg. #1 D - pt. c/o of chest pain on inspiration, fatigue. T-39.5 at 1515, wheezy breath sounds, productive cough for purulent tenacious sputum. IV infusing. A - 02 at 3 litres, chest x-ray this am sputum
Inconsistencies in documentation can leave you and the health care facility open to accusations of incompetence. A medical record containing inconsistencies can be difficult to defend in court. DO NOT use words like confused, uncooperative and depressed. These words may be interpreted in different ways and are not specific in accurately describing the patient. Poor Wording
Eats poorly Patient confused Uncooperative Patient complaining of pain Good day Diuresing well Walking ad lib
Good Wording
Ate the meal and drank 80 ml fluid Patient unable to recognize family Refuses to assist with am care Complaining of constant, sharp RUQ abd. Pain Patient states has been pain free without medication and still able to complete activities of daily living Lasix 10 mg IV at 1430 resulted in 1000 ml of clear, yellow urine Walks around the unit, up to the elevator and back to room without any discomfort
Remember to be factual, specific, precise, and thorough. Avoid summarizing or using value judgments.