If you or a loved one has just been discharged from the hospital, it’s important to take some time to adjust back to life at home. This can be a big change, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Here are six things you should check once you get out of the hospital:
1. Watch for signs of infection or complications
It’s important to watch for signs of infection or complications after you leave the hospital. This is because medical and surgical errors are among the leading causes of death and injuries in the United States. In fact, medical malpractice is responsible for more than 250,000 deaths each year. Medical malpractice attorneys from Duffy & Duffy law firm recommend thoroughly checking infections or complications after your hospital checkout. Establishing negligence or breach of duty on the part of your medical team can be essential to a potential lawsuit.
Complications from surgery are also common. About one in every three patients who have surgery will experience a complication. Post-operative infections are one of the most common complications. Other complications can include blood clots, pneumonia, and heart problems.
When it comes to infections, there are a few key things to look for: fever, redness or swelling at the surgery site, drainage from the incision, and increased pain. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. Concerning complications, keep an eye out for anything that seems abnormal or out of the ordinary. This could include changes in your vision, difficulty urinating, or numbness in your extremities. If you experience any of these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact your physician.
2. Review your discharge papers and follow all instructions
It is important to review your discharge papers and follow all instructions for several reasons. First, your discharge papers will contain important information about your health condition and any medications or treatments you need to continue at home. Second, the instructions on your discharge papers will help you recover properly and avoid complications. Finally, following the instructions on your discharge papers will help protect you from potential liability if something goes wrong after you leave the hospital.
3. Make sure you have a plan for follow-up care
When you’re discharged from the hospital, it’s important to make sure you have a plan for follow-up care. This is because your health situation may have changed while you were in the hospital, and you’ll need to see your regular doctor or specialist to continue treatment. Additionally, you may be prescribed new medications that require monitoring. Follow-up care is essential to ensure that your health continues to improve and that any potential problems are caught early.
If you’re unsure what kind of follow-up care you need, ask your discharge planner or doctor. They can help you create a plan that meets your needs and makes sure you get the care you need after leaving the hospital.
4. Know your medications and how to take them correctly
It is very important to understand your medications and how to take them correctly. This is especially true when you are leaving the hospital. There are many reasons for this. First, you must ensure you are taking the correct medications. Second, you need to know how much of each medication to take. Third, you need to know when to take each medication. Finally, you need to know what side effects to expect from each medication.
If you need help understanding your medications or how to take them correctly, you may not get the full benefit from them. You may also experience unwanted side effects. Therefore, you must ask your doctor or pharmacist questions about your medications before you leave the hospital. They can help you understand your medications and ensure that you are taking them correctly.
5. Get back to your usual activities slowly and safely
After a hospital stay, it’s important to take things slowly and ease back into your usual activities. This may mean starting with just a few minutes of activity each day and gradually increasing as you feel stronger. It’s also important to listen to your body and rest when necessary. If you have any pain or discomfort, stop and call your doctor.
6. Seek support if you’re having trouble adjusting
Adjusting to life after a hospital stay can be difficult for some people. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, don’t hesitate to seek out support from family and friends. You may also want to consider talking to a mental health professional. By seeking support, you can help make the transition home after a hospital stay more manageable.
If you or a loved one has just been discharged from the hospital, it’s important to take some time to adjust back to life at home. This can be a big change, and feeling overwhelmed is normal. Following these tips, you can make the transition home after a hospital stay more smooth and safe.
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