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Choosing Better Medical Care

Don't Be Afraid To Ask Your Care Provider About These Things

20 December 2017

Chris Burke

When you visit a hospital with an injury, you might be spending a bit of time under medical supervision before you're able to leave. Even though your injury isn't life threatening — if it were, you'd likely be transferred to a hospital emergency room — you may be in considerable physical and emotional discomfort. It's important to be as comfortable as possible during your hospital stay, especially if you're going to be there for a while. Although you might shy away from making a request of a nurse or other caregiver, you should remember that you're a patient and you have the right to be comfortable. Here are some things for which you shouldn't hesitate to ask.

A Better Understanding Of Your Injury

Often, fear of the unknown can be extremely daunting. After an injury, the rush to the hospital and the medical attention that you receive can be somewhat of a whirlwind, leaving you with more questions than answers — and this can cause anxiety. Don't be afraid to ask a nurse, doctor, or another health practitioner to speak with you for a few minutes to help you better understand your injury, how it's being addressed, and what the long-term recovery process will look like.

Improved Physical Comfort

The more physically comfortable you are, the better you'll feel as you recover from the injury treatment or wait to be treated. If you're lying in a hospital bed, for example, assess how you feel and don't be afraid to call a nurse and ask for some changes. For example, if your back is sore and it's exacerbating your physical injury, you might want one or more pillows placed behind your back or your head. If you're cold and are thus tensing up, resulting in an increase in your pain, a blanket or a heat pack can help you to feel better.

When You'll Be Leaving

You shouldn't feel as though you need to wait at the hospital indefinitely. There's no harm in asking for an estimate about how long you'll need to remain there. This isn't just about being curious — in many cases, this knowledge is necessary for planning your life. For example, if you're going to be at the center for longer than expected, you may need to scramble to make plans for a neighbor or family member to be at your house when your children arrive home from school. Although details can change, a healthcare provider can commonly give you an answer to this query.

To learn more, contact a hospital like Peninsula Community Health Services- Medical (Cottonwood). 

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