Communication with the patient and their family members or close ones has an essential role in patient care. In order to create a feeling of safety, it is important that the patient can speak their native language.
A young woman has suffered from abdominal pain all morning. She comes to the emergency clinic, and the nurse starts to find out about her situation.
N: What’s wrong?
P: I’ve had severe abdominal pain all morning.
N: When did the pains start?
P: At about 7 this morning.
N: Can you show me where it hurts.
P: It’s here, in the lower right abdomen.
N: Have you had abdominal pains before?
P: Never!
N: Could you tell me how strong the pain is?
N: 0 (zero) means no pain and 10 is the worst possible pain you can think of.
P: I would say it’s 8 right now.
N: Has it been 8 all the time?
P: No. It was 5 at first, but now it’s 8.
N: Do you have any illnesses?
P: No, I’m very healthy.
N: Have you eaten normally yesterday and today?
P: Yesterday I ate normally, but today I haven’t had anything at all.
N: The doctor will come and see you. The doctor will then decide how to proceed from here.
P: Ok, thank you.
N: See you soon.
The doctor examines the patient, orders tests to check for signs of infection, and an ultrasound. She says that it’s appendicitis. The appendix will have to be removed surgically.
N: How do you feel now?
P: No change.
N: I can give you pain relieving medicine before the procedure, but first I need to insert a cannula in the back of your hand. When the pain has eased, I’ll fill the anaesthesia form and ask you a few questions. I’ll be right back.
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