Intake and output. Your doctor might want a strict record of how much fluid you take in and how much you put out. If so, you can help your nurse by informing her of how much you drink while she is out of the room. Your urine may be measured from a bag if you have a catheter. If not you may have a urine “hat” which fits on your toilet if you are female, or a specially shaped urine jug if you are male. Your nurse will measure and empty it for you, so you should save it for her, and inform her if it is too full rather than emptying it yourself, to allow for better measurements. Some patients are embarrassed about leaving urine out, but rest assured that your nurse is not squeamish about urine at all, and would much prefer to have a good measurement. In addition, she can examine the urine for its color and character, noting any sediment or blood, which provides good information about your health to your doctor.
Labs. Your doctor can obtain a wealth of information about your health from a sample of your blood. For this reason, you will probably have blood drawn on admission by a phlebotomist from the lab, who will come in carrying a big box full of tubes. This “vampire” may be the first person you see each morning, since labs are generally drawn early so that doctors can examine the results when they begin their rounds. The phlebotomist is looking for your biggest, easiest vein, usually the one on the inside of your elbow. (This vein is not the preferred vein for your IV because people bend their arms so frequently that the plastic catheter becomes obstructed and bent, but it is fine for the phlebotomist, whose goal is to get in and out as quickly as possible.) Though you may wish it, blood cannot be drawn from the IV you already have in your arm. In addition to blood samples, your doctor may also want a sample of your urine or sputum (mucousy spit), or a swab of any wound you have.
Tests and Procedures. You may be scheduled for tests by other departments of the hospital. Some of the tests you will be transported to by wheelchair or stretcher, and some of the tests come to you. You may be scheduled for EKGs or radiological scans. You may also have orders to undergo surgery, which will be discussed extensively with you beforehand.
Respiratory. Many patients are ordered supplemental oxygen and/or breathing treatments, usually supplied by a respiratory therapist.
Other Nursing Orders. You may need a urinary catheter, telemetry unit to monitor your heart, or other device or treatment, which will be explained to you by your nurse.
During your hospital stay, your doctor will visit you every day, and he will probably write new orders each time he sees you. It is very helpful, if you are able, to make a list of questions and concerns to discuss with the doctor when he comes, since it will be more difficult to contact him for answers after he leaves the hospital floor. Also, it may be hard to predict what time the doctor is going to arrive. Though your nurse can tell you what time the doctor usually comes in, the doctor will rarely give you an exact time, and don’t be surprised if he is early or late!