Patient history, importance

If febrile neutropenia occurs, patient history is important ... 

Body fluid specimens will be prepared and stained and the morphologic characteristic of the cells and the environment in which these cells are found will be examined by light microscopy. To achieve this, a representative cell sample must be obtained and adequate cell fixation is a prerequisite. Proper identification of the specimen and protection of the specimen s integrity are essential. Finally, pertinent patient clinical history is important for accurate specimen interpretation. 

Diethylcarbamazine is the drug of choice for certain filarial infections, such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Loa loa. Since diethylcarbamazine is not universally active against hlarial infections, a specihc diagnosis based on blood smears, biopsy samples, and a geographic history is important. Dosage should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment. 

A dietary history is important in the evaluation of calcium oxalate stone formers. Patients who are excreting... 

Patients may become vitamin K-deficient because of poor nutrition or malabsorption. A careful dietary history is important in this... 

When contemplating LGI embolization there are some unique aspects of the history that need to be investigated. Knowing the past surgical history is important since prior intestinal surgery may have disrupted potential arterial collateral pathways and will increase the risk of an ischemic complication. If the patient has had radiation therapy to the... 

Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, New Delhi Rebesca MA, Romie D, Johnson M, Ryan J (1994) Traditional Dene medicine part I Report. Dene Cultural Institute, Lac La Martre, NWT, Canada Richardson DHS (1974) The vanishing lichens their history and importance. Hafner, New York Rink, Lindorff JFT (1856) Help to the patients. Originally published in Greenland. Translated and reprinted by U. Sqchting in Graphis Scripta 3 24 (1990)... 

When obtaining the drug history, the nurse must always question the patient about the use of herbs, teas, vitamins, or other nutritional or dietary supplements. Many patients consider herbs as natural and therefore safe It is also difficult for some to report the use of an herbal tea as a part of the health care regimen. Display 1-4 identifies teaching points to consider when discussing the use of herbs and nutritional supplements with patients. Although a complete discussion about the use of herbs is beyond the scope of this book, it is important to remember that the use of herbs and nutritional supplements is commonplace in many areas of the country. To help the student become more aware of herbal therapy and nutritional supplements, Appendix B gives... 

It is important to use these drag with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, renal disease, or liver impairment. The neuromuscular blocking action of die lincosamides poses a danger to patients widi myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune disease manifested by extreme weakness and exhaustion of die muscles). 

It is important to perform a complete physical examination and history before the institution of therapy. The nurse examines the involved areas and describes them in detail on the patient s record to provide a database for comparison during therapy. 

Before administering an NSAID, it is important for the nurse to determine if the patient has any history of allergy to aspirin or any otiier NSAID. The nurse determines if die patient has a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, peptic ulceration, or impaired hepatic or renal function. If so, the nurse notifies the primary health care provider before administering an NSAID. 

Because of memory impairment and alterations in tilinking in some patients witii parkinsonism, a history obtained from tiie patient may be unreliable When necessary, tiie nurse obtains tiie health history from a family member. Important data to include is information regarding tiie symptoms of tiie disorder, tiie length of... 

When severe anxiety is present, it is important to obtain the history from a family member or friend. During the time the history is taken, the nurse observes the patient for behavioral symptoms indicating anxiety (eg, psychomotor agitation [extreme restlessness], facial grimaces, tense posture). Physiologic manifestations of anxiety include increased blood... 

As part of the preadministration assessment, the nurse assesses the patient s blood pressure, pulse, and congestion before administering a decongestant. The nurse assesses lung sounds and bronchial secretions, which are noted in the patient s record. It is important to obtain a history of the use of these products, including die name of the product used and die frequency of use. 

During tiie ongoing assessment, tiie nurse assesses the respiratory status every 4 hours and whenever tiie drug is administered. The nurse notes the respiratory rate, lung sounds, and use of accessory muscles in breathing, hi addition, tiie nurse keeps a careful record of the intake and output and reports any imbalance, which may indicate a fluid overload or excessive diuresis. It is important to monitor any patient with a history of cardiovascular problems for chest pain and changes in the electrocardiogram. The primary health care provider may order periodic pulmonary function tests, particularly for patients with emphysema or bronchitis, to help monitor respiratory status. 

Before an emetic is given, it is extremely important to know the chemicals or substancesthat have been ingested, the time they were ingested, and what symptoms were noted before seeking medical treatment. This information wilt probably be obtained from a family member or friend, but the adult patient may also contribute to the history. The primary health care provider or nurse may also contact the local poison control center to obtain information regarding treatment. 

Before a patient starts therapy with an antithyroid drug, die nurse obtains a history of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is important to include vital signs, weight, and a notation regarding the outward symptoms of die hyperthyroidism (see Table 51-1) in the physical assessment. If die patient is prescribed an iodine solution, it is essential that die nurse take a careful allergy history, particularly to iodine or seafood (which contains iodine). 

A comprehensive assessment of the stimulant-dependent patients psychological, medical, forensic, and drug use history may be difficult, because information may be incomplete or unreliable. In recognition of this deficiency, it is important that the patient receives a thorough physical examination, as well... 

Before the peel prophylactic acyclovir, vala-cyclovir or famvir is given to patients with history of recurrent herpes simplex. Systemic antibiotics (minocycline) are important for patients with active acne. 

If patients have experienced anaphylaxis, the identification of any possible elicitor is important to help avoid further episodes. With skin tests and specific IgE antibodies combined with history, a relevant allergy may be detected. Cellular tests monitoring basophil histamine release or basophil activation may be helpful in some patients who resist diagnosis by standard means [26,31]. 

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