We at Placentia-Linda Hospital would like to make your stay as comfortable as possible. However, it is normal to expect pain in some situations, such as surgery, injury, trauma and childbirth. The goal is to keep your pain at a level that is comfortable to you, and allows you to function as well. To assist us in managing your pain, your nurse will ask you to rate your pain. Pain is rated on a 0-10 scale. Zero is no pain, and 10 would be the worst possible pain. You can expect your nurse to ask this question each time your vital signs (this is your temperature, pulse or heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure) are taken, as well as before and after pain medicine is given. Your nurse will also ask you what pain level would be a tolerable level for you. This would be a level where you could still perform tasks that will help you recover, like walking, coughing, turning or deep breathing.

At Placentia-Linda, we believe that your pain experience is individual. Control of your pain is your right as a patient. Therefore, it is important that you be involved in your pain management plan. Pain control involves both drug and non-drug treatments. Understanding your treatment plan, and knowing what to expect, will help put you in control of your pain. If you have any questions, please be sure to ask. We are here for you.

MEDICATIONS

Upon admission to Placentia-Linda Hospital, please be sure to let your nurse know of any medications you are taking, including dosage(s) and times.  Your nurse will review these with your physician, who will determine which medication(s) you should continue to take during your stay with us. 

Any medications ordered by your physician will be brought to you by your nurse.  All medications you may have brought with you, including over-the-counter medications, should be returned home as they may interfere or interact with tests or medicines that are a part of your treatment.  If you need to use your own medication from home, please let us know so we can contact your physician for an order.  The medication will then be kept in the medication cart and given to you by your nurse.

Your nurse will ask you questions concerning your past responses to medications and any allergies you may have.  If you have any allergies, please let us know immediately so we may provide you with a bracelet that alerts all caregivers.  For your safety, all medications provided to you will be dispensed by our Pharmacy department. 

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