LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the needs of a medical patient.

For purposes of this discussion, the term medical patient applies to any person who is receiving diagnostic, therapeutic, and/or supportive care for a condition that is not managed by surgical-, orthopedic-, psychiatric-, or maternity-related therapy. This is not to infer that patients in these other categories are not treated for medical problems. Many surgical, orthopedic, psychiatric, and maternity patients do have secondary medical problems that are treated while they are undergoing management for their primary condition. Although many medical problems can be treated on an outpatient basis, this discussion will address the hospitalized medical patient. It should be noted that the basic principles of management are essentially the same for both the inpatient and outpatient.

The medical management of the patient generally consists of laboratory and diagnostic tests and procedures, medication, food and fluid therapy, and patient teaching. Additionally, for many medical patients, particularly during the initial treatment phase, rest is a part of the prescribed treatment.

Laboratory Tests And Diagnostic Procedures
A variety of laboratory and diagnostic tests and procedures are commonly ordered for the medical patient. Frequently, the Hospital Corpsman is assigned to prepare the patient for the procedure, collect the specimens, or assist with both the procedure and specimen collection. Whether a specimen is to be collected or a procedure is to be performed, the patient needs a clear and simple explanation about what is to

Table 2-1.-Self-Questioning Techniques for Patient Assessment and Reporting

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Table 2-1.-Self-Questioning Techniques for Patient Assessment and Reporting 3/4 Continued

be done and what the patient can do to assist with the activity. Often the success of the test or procedure is dependent upon the patient's informed cooperation. When collecting specimens, the Hospital Corpsman must complete the following procedures:

Collect the correct kind and amount of specimen at the right time.

Place the specimen in the correct container.
Label the container completely and accurately. This often differs somewhat for each facility, and local policies should be consulted.
Complete the laboratory request form accurately.

Record on the patient's record or other forms, as appropriate; the date, time, kind of specimen collected; the disposition of the specimen; and anything unusual about the appearance of the specimen or the patient during the collection.

When assisting with a diagnostic procedure, the Hospital Corpsman must understand the sequence of steps of the procedure and exactly how the assistance can best be provided. Since many procedures terminate in the collection of a specimen, the above principles of specimen collecting must be followed.

Following the completion of a procedure or specimen collection, it is the responsibility of the assisting Hospital Corpsman to ensure that the patient's safety and comfort are attended to, the physician's orders accurately followed, and any supplies or equipment used appropriately discarded.