'The best thing about the hospitalization was that the nurses kept me well informed' Issues and strategies of client education

The patient had been in an automobile accident and was recuperating from a brain concussion. He was scheduled for 24 h of evaluative procedures to rule out injuries which might require surgery. He had been on a back board for a possible spine injury, had a variety of X-rays, blood work, and an EKG, and had been given oxygen, medication by injection, and intravenous fluid and medication through a pump. A variety of health team members including nurses, physicians, and a surgeon had done assessments and taken a history to assist in the diagnostic process. "The best thing about the hospitalization was the nurses telling me what they are doing and why they are doing it! It was really reassuring to have the procedures explained and to know what is being done and why." "I didn't always know if they were going through the steps to help remind themselves what they were doing or to tell me what they were doing. In either case, it was helpful for me to have information on what was happening." "They answered my questions as best they could. When I asked the nurse adding an IV bag what was in it he said, "Potassium" and he explained that my level was 3.3 when the normal was 3.5 to 5.0. He said that since they didn't know my normal they were giving me potassium just in case I needed it. He knew just what he was talking about and the facts were reassuring." "When I asked him to explain what the injection was, he said it was "Tetanus." He said I could refuse it if I wanted to, that it would probably get sore. However, he said I did have open abrasions and if I had not had one in 10 years it would be a good idea. So understanding this reasoning, I was glad to get the shot." "Patient education is really important. When I was in the hospital 10 years ago I was not given all this information and it really helps! I really appreciate the different approach by the nurses. It is really reassuring."