What should a nurse include when reporting patient information to a physician?

Reporting patient information to a physician is a crucial responsibility for nurses, and it must be comprehensive and focused on pertinent details that impact patient care. Including relevant clinical findings and changes in the patient's condition ensures that the physician has an accurate and up-to-date understanding of the patient's health status. This information forms the basis for decision-making regarding diagnosis and treatment plans.

In contrast, relying solely on a patient's family history would provide limited context without addressing the current clinical situation. Compiling daily chart notes from the past week may overwhelm the physician with unnecessary details unless specifically requested, and it might not highlight the most critical changes affecting the patient's care. Likewise, only sharing positive observations undermines the goal of accurate reporting, which requires objectivity to convey any clinical concerns or developments that may require attention.

Thus, focusing on relevant clinical findings and changes allows for effective communication, ensuring that the physician can take appropriate actions in the patient's best interest.