Gathering information for a task
Every nursing task starts with facts. Sources are: the patient (ask and listen), your own eyes and measurements (look, take temperature), the family, the records, and other staff. Use more than one source. A patient may say "I am fine" while the chart shows he ate nothing.
Collect only what you are allowed to see. Patient records are private. Look only at what you need for the task.
Sorting facts: useful or not needed
Analysis means looking at the facts and asking which ones matter for this problem. Put each fact in one of two groups: useful or not needed. Check each fact: Is it true? Is it recent? Is it about this patient? A fact from last year may be old. A rumour is not a fact.
Look for patterns. Half meal left, tooth pain and a sad face together point to one cause.
From facts to a fix
Now think: what could be the cause, and what can we do? List one or two possible fixes, then choose the safest one that fits the facts. In our example the fix is "ask the doctor to check the tooth, and serve soft food meanwhile". Always say who will do what, and when we will check again. If you are not sure, ask a senior nurse or doctor before acting.
Ways of sending information
A good fix is useless if nobody understands it. Send information so that it is clear, short, correct and private.
- Face to face or phone for urgent news. Say your name, the patient, the problem, what you did and what you need.
- Written notes and charts for things others must read later. Write facts, date and time, and sign.
- Digital records for the whole team. Use your own login. Never share your password.
A simple order helps: Who? What? Why? What help do I need? Choose the way that fits the person and the speed needed. Never send names or photos of patients on personal chat apps.
Try it: solve a small problem
Take a problem at home, such as "Grandfather skips his evening walk". List six facts. Mark which are useful. Write the fix in one sentence and a two-line message to the family. Then play with the 3D tray to check your sorting.
Key formulas and definitions
- Gather โ Sort โ Solve โ Send
- Message order: Who? What? Why? What help?
- Key term: analysis = sorting facts and finding the cause
- Key term: privacy = sharing patient facts only with people who need them
Worked examples
1. A patient is dizzy after standing. Facts: BP fell, he missed breakfast, TV is loud, he started a new tablet yesterday, the nurse's bag is blue. Sort them.
Useful: BP fell, missed breakfast, new tablet. Not needed: loud TV, colour of the bag. The useful facts point to low pressure, so make him sit, check BP again and tell the doctor about the new tablet.
2. Write a four-line message to a doctor about Granny.
Who: "Nurse Asha, ward 2, about Mrs Devi." What: "She left half her meals for 2 days." Why: "She has tooth pain and a changed tablet." Help: "Please check her tooth and tablet today."
3. Why should you check more than one source before acting?
One source may be wrong or old. If the patient says "I ate" but the chart is empty, one of them is wrong. Two sources that agree give a safer decision.
Common mistakes
- Acting on the first fact without gathering more.
- Keeping every fact, so the real cause is lost in noise.
- Sending a long, messy message with no clear request.
- Sharing patient details on a personal chat app or using someone else's login.