The Queen's
Patient Guide

Your room has a nurse call system at your bed and in your bathroom. Use it at any time to call us for help. We will be happy to show you how to use the nurse call system.

Your doctor will advise you if it is safe for you to get out of bed by yourself. To get out of bed, sit up first, then move slowly from the bed. Do not rush. If you are connected to any equipment (such as oxygen, IVs, pumps, drains, tubes), please call us for help. Do not go barefoot; use non-skid socks or slippers.

Always show your wristband to anyone who provides care to you. Please follow the diet your doctor ordered because it is a part of your care. Depending on your illness and treatments, you may be put on a special diet, such as cardiac, diabetic, or clear liquids.

It is important to do mouth/oral care four times a day to clean your mouth of germs. This helps prevent pneumonia, which is a serious lung infection. Your nurse will provide you with a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you need help, please let your nurse know.

An infection is an abnormal condition in a part of the body caused by the presence of germs. This is what you can do to help prevent infections:

• Wear a mask when instructed to protect yourself or others from infections. Your health care team members may also wear masks, gloves, and gowns to prevent the spread of infections.

Tell your nurse if:

• The dressing over the IV catheter in your arm gets loose or wet
• The dressing over your wound gets loose or wet
• Any drainage tube or catheter gets loose or comes out
• Deep breathing exercises can help prevent pneumonia.
• Walking exercises promote circulation, wound healing, and prevent blood clots
• If a family member or friend feels sick, please tell them not to visit until they are well.

Cleaning your hands is the #1 way to prevent the spread of infection.

• Wash your hands often—before and after eating, after using the bathroom, and
• after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If you can’t get to the sink, ask a staff member to help you with hand washing or
• the use of a hand sanitizer.
• It’s all right to remind your doctors, nurses, and others caring for you to wash their
• hands before working with you.
• Ask your visitors to wash or sanitize their hands when they visit you.

Medication safety means getting the right medicine in the right dose, at the right time. During your hospital stay, your health care team will take many important steps to ensure this happens. You can also help to ensure medication safety.

Be ready to tell us:

• Your allergies
• Reactions you are having or have had in the past with medicines
• Medicines you are taking at home, including any medication your doctors have prescribed, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements

Remind us to tell you about any medicine we give you:

• What it does
• Possible side effects and when to alert the nurse
• You may also ask for written information about your medicines.
• Do not take any medicine brought from home while you are in the hospital unless the pharmacist or your doctor has told you to do so. This includes vitamins and herbal supplements.
• Tell us what time of day you normally take your medicines. Let us know if you do not get your medicine at that time.

• Don’t hesitate to speak up if you have any concerns or questions about your medicines.

Falls are more likely if you are weak, tired, or sick. Medicines that make you feel sleepy, confused, or dizzy can also contribute to a fall. Many falls happen when patients try to get out of bed to go to the bathroom or while in the bathroom. This is what you can do to decrease your chance of falling and hurting yourself:

• If you need help, plan ahead by pressing your call light as soon as you think about using the bathroom.
• Your doctor will advise you if it is safe for you to get out of bed by yourself. To get out of bed, sit up first, and then move slowly from the bed. Do not rush. If you are connected to any equipment (such as oxygen, IVs, pumps, drains, or tubes), please call us for help.
• Do not go barefoot; use non-skid socks or slippers.
• Call for help if you feel weak, dizzy, or light-headed. Do not get up by yourself.
• Turn on the lights. Do not walk in the dark.
• Let us know if you use a walking aid (walker, cane, etc.) at home and we will keep it within reach. Remember to use it.
• Do not use bedside tables for support, as they have wheels and could roll away from you.
• Let us know if there is a spill or wet area on the floor so it can be cleaned up quickly.
• A bed alarm or chair alarm may be used to remind you to call for help when getting up. Do not turn it off.