GENERAL RULES FOR CHARTING KARDEX

1. Record after a medication is given not before

2. Black ink should be used for recording between the hours of 7.00 am &
7.00 pm
3. Red ink should be used for recording between the hours of 7.00 pm &
7.00 am
4. Only standard abbreviations should be used
5. Pencil will be used to record:
Bed No.
Diagnosis
Bath type & frequency
TPR frequency & method
Diet
Nursing care plan
treatments
6. Use capitals to record
7. Under medications:
Write date, name of the medication, frequency of administration in 24
hours, route of administration
If a medication is stopped it should be cut using red pen and initialed
8. Treatments
Write the date & name of the treatment, e.g. vaginal tablets,
irrigations, any IV fluid infusion above 10ml, site, duration & or
strength of solution.
In the time column write the specific hours the treatment is to be
done.
9. Nursing care plan:
Hygienic care-special mouth care, shampoo
Posture & position- frequency in 24hours
Activity, rest & exercise-ROM
Elimination, control of pain
Nutrition needs for health to emotions or mental attitudes
Spiritual care
Food or fluid intake, type, amount
Use of comfort devices & safety measures
Recreation & diversion
10. Bath: bed bath, shower bath
11. TPR- frequency
12. Diet- diet ordered, supplementary feedings
13. Health teaching disease, general, family planning, prevention of
disease, exercise, nutrition, medication