Roper Northwoods Diagnostics & ED 2233 Northwoods Blvd. North Charleston, SC 29406 843-824-8733

Emergency Services Discharge Instructions and Referral Information

Note: The examination and treatment you have received have been rendered on an emergency basis and are not a substitute for complete medical care. It is important that you report any persisting problems to your doctor since it is impossible to recognize and treat all events of a problem in one emergency visit. Follow instructions below as indicated to you:

Head Injury Precautions Sprain / Fracture / Bruise 1. Apply ice to area for 20-30 minutes 4 times per day. 1. Elevate injured extremity to lessen swelling. 2. Contact the ER for any of the following: severe headache, 2. Apply ice packs in the first 48 hours for 30 minutes at a time. vomiting, restlessness, convulsions, unsteadiness, paralysis, (Place ice in a plastic bag and wrap in a cloth). disorientation, slurred speech, stiff neck, blurred vision, 3. If you have an elastic bandage, rewrap if becomes too loose unequal pupils (one large, one small) or difficulty in waking up. or tight. 3. Allow patient to sleep but awaken every ______hours the 4. If ankle or foot is involved use a cane or crutches as needed. first day to check for above symptoms. Limit weight bearing until pain decreases. 4. No pain medicines stronger than Tylenol. 5. Warm compresses or soaks after the second day. 6. If injury does not improve, call your doctor or the ED. Abdominal Pain 1. Clear liquid diet for the next 24 hours. Advance as tolerated. Lacerations Clear liquids include: Gatorade, Gingerale, popsicles, jello 1. Keep wound clean and dry as possible. and broth, etc. 2. Leave dressing intact ______days then 2. Rest as much as possible. Change dressing daily and clean with soap and water. 3. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and aspirin. 4. Medications as prescribed. 3. Contact the ED or your doctor if the wound becomes red, 5. If your pain worsens or you develop fever greater than 101 swollen, or shows signs of infection. contact your physician or ED. 4. Return to the ED for a wound check in ______days. 5. Return for suture removal in ______days. Back and Neck Injuries 6. Protect the healed wound from the sunlight for 1 year with 1. Use heat to injured areas. A full sunblock (SPF-15 or higher) to lessen scar. 2. Rest as much as possible. 3. Avoid positions and movements that make pain worse. Cast / Splint Care 4. Gentle but firm massage may increase circulation to the injured 1. Keep elevated with no weight or pressure on any part of area and help relieve pain. Splint or cast for 48 hours. Do not get cast / splint wet. 5. Take medications as directed. 2. Do not insert anything between your cast / splint and skin. 3. Call your doctor if you feel pressure or tightness in cast / splint Medicine area or if exposed fingers / toes are cold, numb, blue or painful. The medication you have been given today may make you sleepy. X-rays Do not drive, work around machines or drink alcohol while taking Your X-rays have been read by an Emergency physician or medication. Your doctor. A specialist in X-ray will review your films within 24 hours and if his opinion differs, you will be notified with Take medication as directed. Instructions for follow-up.

You have been given a Tetanus / Diptheria toxoid. Follow-up Contact Information You have received the CDC vaccine information statement. The best phone number to use to contact me is:______(Edition date Td and T Dap Vaccines11/18/08). Wound Follow Up Work / School Excuse The ED Physician has ordered a culture of your wound to identify Light Duty______days. the organism causing the problem. It is important for you Return to work / school ______to return in ______days for us to take another look at your wound and discuss the results of the cultures we have collected. Please return to the ED or your family MD sooner if you develop fever,

increasing pain or if you feel your condition is becoming worse. Other Instructions:

The above instructions have been explained to me and I understand them. I have received and understand information about hand washing and other methods that are used by hospital staff and myself to prevent the spread of infection and promote safety.  Home  Stable ______ Ambulatory Patient or representative Nurse Time  Wheelchair Revised ;6/08;5/09;10/09; 2/10; 5/10

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