Recording Important Vital Signs After Having Surgery
     
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Whether the patient stays in the hospital for a few days or returns home immediately after surgery, it is important that she or, better yet, a caregiver keep a journal tracking some vital information. If this information was not recorded and an emergency was to occur, information recounted from memory could be convoluted and partial, at best. At worst, it could be erroneous which could lead to the doctor recommending an inappropriate, potentially harmful, treatment. Below are five vital statistics that you or your caregiver should record.

1. Temperature

Periodically take a reading of the patient's temperature. Whether you use a mouth, ear, or other type of thermometer, make sure that the reading is as accurate as possible. Record the temperature and the time it was taken. It is a good idea to do this every four hours, unless the doctor specifies differently.

2. Blood Pressure

So many vital body functions are affected by blood pressure, particularly post-op, and spiking or plummeting blood pressure is an indication that something is wrong. Like the patient’s temperature, take an accurate blood pressure reading and record it along with the time. Your local drugstore will have a good selection of moderately priced digital blood pressure monitors. These monitors are very easy to use and will provide you with the readings you will need to record. It’s efficient to take and record temperature and blood pressure at the same time.

3. Medicine Taken

  

Record the name of the medicine exactly as it is written on the bottle, the dosage amount (number of pills or amount of liquid), the milligrams or micrograms of the medicine, and the time it was taken. Also, note any side-effects experienced by the patient. For example, if the patient’s pain medication causes dizziness, write it down.

4. Food/Liquid Consumed

Anything that goes in the patient’s mouth should go down in the journal. Whether the patient feels good enough to wolf down a hamburger or just nibble on a few crackers, write it down. Whether the patient takes a few sips of ginger ale or gulps down a large smoothie, write it down. Record the type of food or drink, how much was consumed, and when it was consumed.

5. Frequency of Urination and Bowel Movements

Important? Yes! And vital information in the eyes of a doctor. Record when (date and time) the patient urinates or has a bowel movement. Note if there is anything unusual, such as the presence of blood. Also, jot down any complaints from the patient (e.g. the patient feels constipated).

Of course, this list provides only the basic vital sign information. Depending on the nature of the surgery and the health of the patient, it may also be beneficial to record other information such as the patient’s blood sugar level or amount of sleep. Hopefully, a few days after surgery the patient will be healing nicely and can chunk the journal in file thirteen. However, should the patient require any emergency post-op care, the doctor will be glad to have the journal of symptoms to help determine a quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Mary Edison has been helping people prepare for surgery and recovery for over 25 years. She knows all the ins and outs of getting prepared for surgery and creating a successful and speedy recovery.  She has also created her "Heartfelt Gift Pick" get well list that will help you find that special and unique get well gift, something that's totally out of the ordinary ~ for your loved one or friend who is ill.

For more information about Mary, please visit Prepare For Surgery Now .  You can also download her free copy of "Your Guide to Less Stressful Surgery" so you can be completely prepared when you need to have surgery.

Mary is also a health enthusiast, writer and entrepreneur. Through her websites and articles, she offers products and services that nurture and support the quality of life for all living things. If you have questions you may reach her at less-stress@prepareforsurgerynow.com. 

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