Edit Care Check-in – Family Room

Overview

We’re going to teach you how to spot six common symptoms, right from the bedside.

You know the patient best! Those little habits, the way they smile, even how they grumble – that’s all stuff the doctors might not know.

But guess what? That knowledge is like a superpower, and we’re going to help you use it!

Why Do It?

You might notice something’s off before anyone else does
The doctors and nurses will love hearing what you’ve seen
It’ll help you feel more in control (and let’s face it, hospitals can be pretty overwhelming)

How to Check for Symptoms

Pain

What it is

Pain is when the body hurts. It can be in one spot or all over.

Why it might happen

Recent surgery or procedure (e.g. stitches)
Fighting an infection
Ongoing health issues (e.g. arthritis)

How to check

Ask…
- “Do you hurt anywhere?”
Look for…
- Upset face or frowning
- Tense muscles
- Moving a lot in bed
Listen for…
- Sounds like “ouch” or groaning

Ask about:

Where it hurts
How bad (a little, medium, a lot)
What kind (sharp, dull, burning)
When it started
What makes it better or worse

Anxiety

What It Is

Feeling very worried or scared. It can make people feel uncomfortable or upset.

Why It Might Happen

Pain or discomfort
Tubes and lines in the body
Unfamiliar place
Can’t talk or move normally
Miss home and family
Confusion from medicines or lack of sleep

SAFETY

Make sure to tell the care team if you think the patient is experiencing new or worsening anxiety.

How To Check

Ask…
- “Do you feel worried or scared?”
Look For…
- Fast breathing or heart beating
- Restless moving or fidgeting
- Shaky or sweaty hands
- Tense or worried face
- Trouble sleeping
Notice if…
- The breathing machine alarm goes off often
- They’re pointing to body areas or tubes

Amazon: Stress balls

Tiredness

What It Is

Feeling very sleepy, weak, or having no energy.

Why It Might Happen

Body working hard to heal
Strong medicines
Disturbed sleep from machines and care routines
Not moving much in bed
Pain

Important to Remember

It’s normal to be very tired while getting better
Patients who were very sick need more time to rest
Tell the nurse if the patient is always tired
Let the patient sleep unless the nurse says to wake them

SAFTEY

Tell the care team right away if the patient suddenly seems more or less awake than usual

How To Check

Look For…
- Droopy eyes or yawning
- Less active than before
- Falling asleep during the day
Check if they…
- Can open their eyes
- Can follow simple commands
- Respond when you speak
- Have trouble focusing

Remember, recovery takes time. It’s normal for patients to need a lot of rest, especially in the early stages of healing.

While tiredness is normal, sudden changes in alertness or responsiveness should be reported to the care team immediately.

Shortness of Breath

What It Is

Feeling like it’s hard to breathe or get enough air.

Why It Might Happen

Lung problems or fluid in lungs
Heart not working well
Getting used to a breathing machine
Pain
Anxiety
Lying down for a long time

Important to Remember:

The care team is monitoring breathing closely
Always tell the nurse right away about breathing problems
Never adjust any tubes or machines
Don’t give them anything to help them breathe without asking the nurse first
Staying calm can help them breathe easier

How To Check

Look For…
- Worried face
- Flaring nostrils
- Using chest or neck muscles to breathe
- Trying to sit up more
- Fast or heavy breathing
Check machines…
- Fast breathing on the ventilator
- Are oxygen levels on the monitor lower than normal?
Ask…
- “Is it hard to breathe?” (if they can speak)
Notice if they…
- Can’t finish sentences
- Point to their chest or make breathing gestures

SAFETY

Preventing shortness of breath is important. Follow all instructions from the care team about positioning, movement, and activities.

Remember, always tell a member of the care team right away if a patient is having trouble breathing.

Nausea

What It Is

Feeling sick to the stomach or like throwing up. They might not want to eat. This can be hard to notice if they aren’t fully awake.

Why It Might Happen

Some medicines
Illness or surgery effects
Pain
Tubes in nose or mouth
Lying down for long periods
Moving around too much
Hospital smells or cleaning products

Important to Remember

Tell the nurse if the patient feels very sick
Don’t give anything by mouth without asking the nurse
Nausea can make patients weak, so help them move safely
Nausea can be a sign of other problems in the ICU

How To Check

Look For…
- Pale or sweaty skin
- Grimace or discomfort on face
Notice if they…
- Refuse to eat
- Turn away from food smells
- Swallow a lot
- Gag or try to remove mouth tubes

Nausea can be a sign of other problems in the ICU, so it’s crucial to report any signs to the care team promptly

Thirst

What It Is

Feeling like you need to drink water. It means their body wants water. Helping with thirst can make the patient more comfortable and prevent dry mouth problems.

Why It Might Happen

Can’t drink on their own
Recent surgery
On a breathing machine
Too sleepy to drink safely
Trouble swallowing
Dry mouth from medicines
Fever or sweating a lot

Important Things to Know

Patients get water through their IV if they can’t drink
Some patients can’t drink water even if they feel thirsty
Tell the nurse if you think the patient is very thirsty

SAFETY

Always ask the nurse before giving anything to eat or drink

How To Check

Ask…
- “Are you thirsty?”
Look For…
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Dry or cracked lips
- Frequent swallowing or licking lips
Listen For…
- A dry, scratchy voice
Watch For…
- Hand motions like drinking
- Pointing to mouth or throat

Tools for Helping Communication

Helpful communication tools on Amazon
Patient Communicator App (find it on App Store or Google Play)
Printable Communication toolkit