Medical University of South Carolina - Tres Anni Yearbook (Charleston, SC)

Page 30 text:

'KL-B' 3 Q ' W W Medicine Observation and encouragement are necessities in the care of medical patients. Their conditions often require bedrest, a long hospitalization, many i medications, diagnostic studies, and close observ- ance for the appearance and recession of signs and symptoms. Good nursing includes backrubs, a friendly chat, acherry smile or a simple explanation of what, why and how a procedure is to be carried out. Perhaps there tasks seem trivial to us, but they are of utmost importance in providing total nursing K ff Si ,ff ,,, Y W , ,,.,,.,,... , X 7 CHIC. I ' -ff fx- , . ,ixxyl ' J f ' 1 .rg 3 i X

Page 29 text:

N 55 . ' ,ggi Q if xx 1 x Surgery While working with surgical pa- tients on the floors, in the operating room, or recovery room, we learn how surgical procedures can correct con- ditions which impair the body's func- tion and how advanced techniques allow patients with chronic or in- curable diseases a longer and more useful life. 'A ll rg 'M - . Q.,.. 1 1 , nv 9 QA 5 fy' Y eanwwd' s A ev Q L WNV Q . , ,iq Q I gs K -sawn, toe.. Preparing the patient for surgery, both physically and emotionally is an important nursing function. Gaining the confidence of the patient and his family will allevi- ate anxiety and make him a better surgical risk. Our duty in the operating room is to assist the surgeong here we see the surgical treatment of the conditions and disease entities which we cared for on the floor and studied in our formal classes. The recovery room nurse checks, observes, and re- checks the patient giving intense care during the criti- cal hours immediately following surgery. After dis- charge from the recovery room the patient is taken to the floor where he is still checked frequently and ob- served closely for any signs or symptoms which may indicate complications.

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bstetrics Obstetric al nursing affords the best opportunity to observe the total plan for patient care. We follow the patient from the first clinic visit, through her hospitalization, and through visits with the public health nurse after discharge. Instruction for self-care is important throughout the period in which the patient is followed in order to insure continued health of mother and infant.