What to Tell the Doctor
Keep a Diary
When helping a person prepare for surgery, there are many things you will observe. Keep a list or diary of your observations so that you can share what you know with the nurses or doctors at the time the person goes to the surgery center or hospital.
- Report if the person has followed any medicine restrictions or if the person has taken any medicines that morning.
- Report how long it has been since the person has had any liquids or solid food to eat.
- If the person was required to take medicines to clean the bowel, report the results.
- If the person was required to have an enema at home, report the results.
- Take a complete list of the person’s medicines with you when you go to the hospital or surgery center.
- Report if the person has experienced nausea, vomiting, or change in pain prior to coming for surgery.
- Report if the person has developed any cold or breathing problems or fever.