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Unit III:

ADMISSIONS/DISCHARGE/TRANSFER

Mrs. P.Poongodi
Professor, Dept. Of OBG (N),

1
UNIT: III Hospital admission and discharge
4 HRS
Admission to the hospital
o Unit and its preparation admission bed

o Admission procedure
o Special considerations
o Medico-legal issues
o Roles and Responsibilities of the nurse
Discharge from the hospital
o Types: Planned discharge, LAMA and abscond, Referrals and transfers

o Discharge Planning
o Special considerations
o Medico-legal issues
o Roles and Responsibilities of the nurse
o Care of the unit after discharge

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 2
Definition of admission
It is defined as allowing a patient or client to
stay in the hospital for their wellbeing or to
provide health care services by observation,
investigation, treatment & care.

Admission is the entry of a patient / client


into a hospital / ward for diagnostic or
therapeutic purpose

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 3
ADMISSION
(ENTERING A HEALTH CARE AGENCY FOR NURSING
CARE AND MEDICAL/SURGICAL TREATMENT)
INVOLVES:
A. AUTHORIZATION FROM A PHYSICIAN
B. COLLECTION OF BILLING INFO FROM THE
ADMITTING DEPARTMENT
C. COMPLETION OF THE ADMISSION PROCESS BY
NURSING
D. DOCUMENTING PT’S MED HX & PHYSICAL EXAM
E. INITIAL MED ORDERS FOR TREATMENT

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 4
Purpose
Receiving the client
Provide comfort & safety
Provide immediate, comprehensive & emergency care
Advocacy the client to utilise the government
facilities / scheme
Help the client to adjust with hospital environment
Collect the necessary information to aid for care
Maintain therapeutic relationship

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 5
Principles
New environment may produce fear & anxiety. So provide
fearless environment , simplify the admission process
Hospital admission may be an threads to personal identity,
hence counsel them
People have diversity of habits & behavior, so treat them
equally
Illness may result stress to the client so support the client &
theirfamily

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 6
TYPES OF ADMISSION

INPATIENT

OUTPATIENT

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 7
INPATIENT STAY

LONGER THAN 24HRS


PLANNED:
NO IMMEDIATE THREAT
PLANNED ELECTIVE SURGERY, TESTS
PT IS PREPARED
EMERGENCY:
UNPLANNED
STABILIZE IN EMERGENCY ROOM (CHEST PAIN, TRAUMA)
DIRECT ADMISSION:
UNPLANNED
BYPASS EMERGENCY (VOMITING, DIARRHEA)

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 8
OUTPATIENT STAY
LESS THAN 24 HRS

OBSERVATIONAL:
HEAD INJURY
PREMATURE LABOR
UNSTABLE VITAL SIGNS
FOLLW UP
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 9
OTHER TYPES
EMERGENCY
ROUTINE

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 10
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ADMITTING DEPARTMENT

GATHER INFO FOR BILLING


INITIATE MEDICAL RECORD
CONSENT FORMS ARE SIGNED,
INITIAL ORDERS OBTAINED
VERBAL REPORT GIVEN TO
FLOOR RN
PATIENT IS ESCORTED

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 11
NURSING RESPONSIBILITES

PREPARE ROOM

IDENTIFY SELF

ORIENT PATIENT

GATHER INFO
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 12
PREPARE ROOM
PROVIDE PERSONAL BED IN HIGH POSITION
CARE ITEMS IF ARRIVING BY
EMERGENCY
SUCTION
BED IN LOW POSITION
OXYGEN IF ARRIVING BY BLOOD
LOSS

IV POLE
FOLLOW THE ASEPTIC
TECHNIQUE
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 13
IDENTIFY SELF
MAKES PT FEEL SECURE

MAKES PT FEEL WELCOME

ALLEVIATES ANXIETY/FEAR

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 14
ORIENT PATIENT
LOCATION OF NURSE’S SAFETY MEASURES SUCH AS
STATION BEDRAILS
CLOTHES STORAGE VISITING HOURS
CALL LIGHT WHAT TESTS ARE
BED CONTROLS SCHEDULED
LIGHT SWITCHES DIET
TELEPHONE POLICY ROOM BOUNDARIES
TV CONTROLS SCHEDULED SURGERY TIME
MEALTIMES TIMES FOR DR VISITS

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 15
GATHER INFORMATION
THE NURSE WILL GATHER INFO ABOUT:
MEDICAL ORDERS
TX’S
LABS
TESTS
DIET
ACTIVITY
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT WITHIN 24HRS.
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 16
UNIT PREPARATION
BED
POSITION
EQUIPMENTS & SUPPLY

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 17
VALUABLES

WHEN DOCUMENTING VALUABLES, MAKE


SURE TO USE WORDS LIKE:
WHITE/YELLOW METAL NOT GOLD
CLEAR STONE NOT DIAMONDS, RUBIES, ETC.
HAVE A WITNESS
HAVE NURSE & PT SIGN VALUABLES LIST
DON’T FORGET DENTURES, GLASSES, ETC.
WHEN TRANSFERRING PT, SIGN-OFF WITH
NURSE
KNOW YOUR FACILITY’S VALUABLES POLICY
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 18
PATIENT COMFORT
PROVIDE PRIVACY. (SHUT DOOR & PULL CURTAIN.)
ASSIST IF NEEDED TO REMOVE CLOTHING AND PUT
GOWN ON.
PROVIDE EXTRA BLANKETS IF REQUESTED.
COLLECT INFO FOR DATABASE.
PERFORM INITIAL ADMISSION ASSESSMENT IF
APPROPRIATE. (SOME FACILITIES REQUIRE AN RN
TO DO INITIAL ASSESSMENTS).
OBTAIN PHYSICIAN ORDERS FOR TX’S, LABS,
TESTS, MEDS, ACTIVITY, ETC. WITHIN 24HRS.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 19
COMPONENTS OF A MEDICAL HISTORY
•IDENTIFYING DATA
•CHIEF COMPLAINT
•PERSONAL HX
•PAST HEALTH HX
•HX OF PRESENT ILLNESS
•FAMILY HX
•REVIEW OF BODY SYSTEMS
•CONCLUSION SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 20
WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN NEWLY ADMITTED PATIENTS

ANXIETY

LONELINESS

DECREASED PRIVACY

LOSS OF IDENTITY

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 21
ANXIETY
APPEARANCE HOW TO HELP
Exhibits Separation Anxiety. Acknowledge feelings.
Sad. Provide explanations and
Worried. instructions before
Restless. performing procedures.
Inquire about stress due to
Reduced Appetite.
children/pets/spouse at
Insomnia. home.
Reassure. Separation
Anxiety can cause the elderly
to be confused and
disoriented.
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 22
Alleviating anxiety and fear
Admission can cause anxiety and fear for many pts
and their families
Even a transfer from one room to another can
cause anxiety because the individual will have to
adjust to another environment
Essential for health care provider to create a
positive first impression
Assistant can do much to alleviate fear by being
courteous, supportive, and kind.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 23
Alleviating anxiety and fear
Help patient become familiar with the unit
• Provide clear instructions on how to operate
equipment
• Explain the type of routine to expect, such as
times for meals
Do not hurry or rush
Allow the pt to ask questions and to express
concerns
If you do not know the answers to specific
questions, refer to your immediate supervisor
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 24
LONELINESS
Make frequent contact with your
patient.

Orient your client.

Allow liberal visitation.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 25
DECREASED PRIVACY
Pull curtain and close
door.
Knock.
Identify room
boundaries, esp. if
sharing room.
Be careful of exposing
patient.
Patient feels
uncomfortable because
of unkempt appearance,
so announce visitors.
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 26
LOSS OF IDENTITY
Call patient by name
they prefer.
Allow patient to
wear own gown.
Display pictures.
Give them some
choices. (bathing,
eating, etc.)
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 27
ADMISSION FORMS
Forms list the procedures that must be performed
Will vary slightly from facility to facility
Important for health care worker to become
familiar with required information on the form
Much of the information on the admission form is
used as a basis for the nursing care plan
Must be complete and accurate!
It the pt is unable to answer the questions, a
relative or the person responsible for the pt is
usually able to provide the information
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 28
PROCEDURES PERFORMED
UPON
Vital signs ADMISSION
Height and weight measurements
Collection of a routine urine specimen
Protect patient’s possessions
Make a list of clothing, valuables, and personal items

In a hospital a family member will frequently take clothing home

Any personal items left in a room should be noted on a list, and the list should be
signed by the pt and the assistant

At the time of transfer or discharge, the list of items is checked to make sure all
of the belongings are returned

If the family member does not take items home, the items should be placed in a
safe

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE


FOLLOW CORRECT TECHNIQUE WHILE COLLEGE
PERFORMING THESE
PROCEDURES!! OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 29
PROCEDURES PERFORMED
UPON ADMISSION
Orient patient to facility
Provide instructions on how to operate the bed, call
light, remote control for TV, etc.
Explain visiting hours, location of lounges, smoking
regulations, availability of services, times for meals,
and other rules and regulations
Many facilities have a pamphlet or paper listing this
information, which is given to the patient and family
members.

FOLLOW CORRECT TECHNIQUE WHILE


PERFORMING THESE PROCEDURES!!
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 30
TRANSFER
DISCHARGING A PATIENT
FROM ONE UNIT OR
AGENCY AND ADMITTING
THEM TO ANOTHER UNIT
INFORMS PATIENT/FAMILY
COMPLETE TRANSFER
SUMMARY
SPEAKS WITH NURSE ON
TRANSFER UNIT
TRANSPORTS
PATIENT/BELONGINGS/SUP
PLIES & CHART
CHECKS ORDERS/MAKES
NEW ADDRESSOGRAPH
CARD W/NEW ROOM #
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 31
TRANSFERS
Done for a variety of reasons
Change in the patient’s condition
Per patient request
Agency policy must be followed during any
transfer
Reason for transfer should be explained to patient
and family by the appropriate personnel
New room or unit must be ready to receive the
patient
All personal items must be moved with patient
Organized and efficient transfer will help prevent
fear and anxietySHRI
for theBHAVE
VINOBA patient
COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 32
Discharge
Terminating the hospital stay & sending
the client to home is termed as
discharge

“Discharge of patient from the hospital


means, reliving a person from hospital
setting, who admitted as an inpatient in
that hospital”
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 33
Discharge preparation
Physical consideration
Psycho – Cognitive consideration
Family Consideration
Ethical consideration
Home care

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 34
Types
Planned Other

Patient completes the initial, actual


management in the hospital and LAMA (Leave
now he or she need not to be Against
under direct supervision of that Medical
hospital Advice)
Cured & Discharge
Absconded
DOR (Discharge on Request)
Transfer to other Hospital
Relieved
Death
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 35
DISCHARGE PROCEDURE
Doctor’s order/ written consent / Instruction &
follow up description is usually required
If an individual plans to leave a facility without
permission, report this immediately to supervisor
Facilities have special policies that must be
followed when a patient leaves against medical
advice (LAMA)
When an order for discharge is received, assistant
must check and pack the patient’s belongings
Check the unit, including any drawers, closets,
and storage areas carefully to find all items

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 36
DISCHARGE
Most agencies require a staff member to
accompany the individual to the car
If a patient is transferred by ambulance, the
ambulance attendants will bring a stretcher
to the room
Most agencies have forms or checklists that
are used during a discharge to ensure that
all procedures have been followed.
Client & Family members should clear about
their treatment diet & follow up
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 37
Assist the client to dress up, check & pack the
belongings
Collect discharge slip & discharge summary & give it
to client
Any of the hospital property given to client must be
taken it back & send it to concern department for
cleaning
Confirm whether client cleared his dues
Make sure that client is well groomed & assist him /
her for that

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 38
Other department collaborated with
client treatment must be informed (eg.
Dietary, pharmacy, physiotherapy etc.)
Concern forms must be signed by the
client
Make sure all the forms are filled (I/O
Chart, Medicine Chart, Vital signs etc.)
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 39
DISCHARGING
Return to the unit, strip the bed, remove
any equipment and follow agency policy
for cleaning the room
Record all required information on the
patient’s chart

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 40
STEPS OF PLANNED DISCHARGE

1. Written order by doctor


2. Discharge card
3. Informing other departments
4. Check payment of the bills
5. Hospital glossaries taken back
6. Returning of the personal belongings
7. Arrangement for transport
8. Documentation.
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 41
NURSES RESPONSIBILITY FOR DISCHARGING A PATIENT

GATHER BELONGINGS/CHECK INVENTORY


ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION
INFORM PT OF CHECKOUT TIME TO AVOID BEING
BILLED FOR AN EXTRA DAY
ESCORT UNTIL PT SAFELY INSIDE VEHICLE
WRITE DISCHARGE SUMMARY
TERMINAL CLEANING. BED STRIPPED AND
DISINFECTANT USED. BEDSIDE CABINET
RESTOCKED/CLEANED.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 42
ACRONYM OF DISCHARGE
METHOD
• M=MEDICATION
• E=ENVIRONMENT
• T=TREATEMENT
• H=HEALTH TEACHING
• O=OUT PATIENT REFFERAL
• D=DIET
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 43
Medico – legal cases
It can be defined as a case of injury or ailment, etc., in which
investigations by the law-enforcing agencies are essential to fix
the responsibility regarding the causation of the said injury or
ailment.
In simple language it is a medical case with legal implications
for the attending doctor where the attending doctor, after
eliciting history and examining the patient, thinks that some
investigation by law enforcement agencies is essential .
Or a legal case requiring medical expertise when brought by the
police for examination.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 44
Cases that are to be treated as
medico-legal
The following cases should be considered as medico-legal and as such the
medical officer is "duty-bound" to intimate to the police regarding such cases:
1. All cases of injuries and burns -the circumstances of which suggest commission of
an offence by somebody. (irrespective of suspicion of foul play)
2. All vehicular, factory or other unnatural accident cases specially when there is a
likelihood of patient's death or grievous hurt.
3. Cases of suspected or evident sexual assault.
4. Cases of suspected or evident criminal abortion.
5. Cases of unconsciousness where its cause is not natural or not clear.
6. All cases of suspected or evident poisoning or intoxication.
7. Cases referred from court or otherwise for age estimation.
8. Cases brought dead with improper history creating suspicion of an offence.
9. Cases of suspected self-infliction of injuries or attempted suicide.
10. Any other case not falling under the above categories but has legal implications.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 45
Medico –legal issues

A medicolegal case should be registered as soon as a


doctor suspects foul play and the same is applicable on
later stage of admission or even if it is brought after
several days of the incident.

Issuance of the discharge certificate is the mandatory


duty of the treating doctor; failure to do so renders the
doctor liable for "negligence" and "deficiency of service

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 46
If non identified at the initial time MLC but later on after
admission of the patient the case required to be converted as
MLC and the police was informed. This duty should also be
extended in cases of discharged patient. The nearest police
station must be informed at the earliest whenever there
is an admission, death or discharge of a medicolegal
case and a medicolegal register should be maintained
with necessary entries of patient details. While
discharging or referring the patient, care should be taken to see
that he receives the Discharge Card/Referral Letter, complete
with the summary of admission, the treatment given in the
hospital and the instructions to the patient to be followed after
discharge.
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 47
If the patient is not serious and can take care of
himself, he may be discharged on his own request;
after taking in writing from him that he has been
explained the possible outcome of such a discharge
and that he is going on his own against medical
advice. Police have to be informed before the said
patient leaves the hospital. Sometimes the patient,
registered as a medico–legal case, may abscond from
the hospital. The police should be informed
immediately, the moment such an instance comes to
the notice of the doctor/ hospital staff.
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 48
Precautions to be taken

a. Consent
b. Confidentiality
c. Collection and preservation of
samples

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 49
RECEIVING A MLC
A doctor can receive a medico-legal case in any of the four situations:–
1. A case is brought by the police for examination and reporting, or order
of the court for medical examination
2. The person in question was already attended to by a doctor and a
medico-legal case was registered in the previous hospital, and the person
is now referred for expert management/ advice.
3. When patient himself expressing his intention to register a case against
the alleged accused.
4. After eliciting history and examining the patient, the attending doctor
feels that some investigation by law enforcement agencies is essential to
establish and fix responsibility for the case in accordance with the law of
the land.
In the last situation it is the attending doctor has to utilize his medical
knowledge and judgment to decide whether the case should be treated
as MLC or not, specially when the history is not completely revealed,
either by the patient or his relatives/ friends, due to some motive.
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 50
PROCEDURE OF
REGISTERING A MLC
The responsibility to label any case as an MLC rests solely
with the attending medical practitioner.
In the casualty, while attending to an emergency, the doctor
should understand that his first priority is to save the life of
the patient.
He should do everything possible to resuscitate the patient
and ensure that he is out of danger.
All legal formalities to be suspended till the patient is
resuscitated.
This has been clearly ordered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court
of India

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 51
REGISTRATION AND REPORTING
The attending doctor is duty bound to inform the police about the Case
Provides for prosecution of the doctor for the failure to inform, informed
again when patient dies or is discharged from hospital
Reports must be prepared in duplicate on proper pro-forma giving all
necessary details
Avoid abbreviations, over writings. Correction if any, should be initialed
with date and time.
Reports must be submitted to the authorities promptly.
Medico-legal documents should be stored under safe custody for 10 years
Age, sex, father’s name, complete address, date and time of reporting,
time of incident, brought by whom.
Identification marks and finger impressions
All MLC to be informed to the police for taking legal evidence
If the patient is dying, inform the magistrate to record ‘dying declaration’.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 52
ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE
Whenever a medico-legal case is admitted or discharged, the same
should be intimated to the nearest police station at the earliest.
It is always better to inform the police through the casualty of the
hospital where the medico-legal register is usually maintained and
necessary entries can be made in it.
While discharging or referring the patient, care should be taken to
see that he receives the Discharge Card/Referral Letter, complete
with the summary of admission, the treatment given in the hospital
and the instructions to the patient to be followed after discharge.
Failure to do so renders the doctor liable for “negligence” and
“deficiency of service”.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 53
EXAMINATION OF MLC
PATIENT
Consent:
Under medical ethics all cases should be examined after obtaining a
consent.
Consent to be taken for a particular purpose or procedure in writing.
Consent to be taken before starting the procedure and after clearly
explaining the patient/ relative what exactly to be done.
If the patient is a minor or less than 18 yrs of age consent of the
guardian be obtained for private part examination.
Consent of relative required for unconscious patient requiring
surgery
If an unconscious patient brought by police from road and operation
essential to save life 2 or 3 doctors to give consent by signing on
consent form.
A conscious adult has the right to refuse

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 54
Examination of MLC cases:
It is preferable that a lady doctor should examine a lady, or,
wherever this is not possible, a female attendant (nurse, etc)
should be present during the examination. 
If a case is referred from other hospital where medico legal
case sheet has been prepared, the findings be attached to the
same without making fresh MLC
If the date of incidence is delayed and patient brought late, the
present findings are to be entered in MLC

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 55
TREATMENT OF MEDICO-LEGAL
CASES
The patient should immediately be given treatment without
waiting for the medico legal formalities of reporting.
Treatment to be started after examination and recording
findings.
First Aid to be given immediately without waiting for completion
of MLC sheet
If specialist consultation is required, patient to be referred to
concern specialist for further treatment
All cases requiring constant observation and treatment to be
admitted into the hospital

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 56
TRANSFER OF MLC s
The transferring hospital provides medical treatment within its capacity
that minimizes the risks to the patient
The receiving hospital
(a) has available space and qualified personnel for the treatment; and
(b) has agreed to accept transfer and to provide appropriate treatment
The transferring hospital sends all medical records (history, examination
findings, results of diagnostic tests, provisional diagnosis, and treatment
provided ) that are available at that time.
The informed written consent or certification as required by EMTALA.
The transfer is effected through qualified personnel and transportation
equipment to provide life support measures during the transfer.
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act 1986 (EMTALA)

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 57
ABSCOND/DEATH OF
MEDICO-LEGAL CASE
In case a person admitted as a medico-legal case expires or
absconds.
Inform the police immediately
Send the body to the hospital mortuary for preservation, till the
legal formalities are completed and the police releases the body
to the lawful heirs.
Request a medico-legal postmortem examination, providing a
copy of death summary.
Do not issue a death certificate before postmortem even if the
patient was admitted.
The dead body should never be released to the relatives; it
should only be handed over to the police
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 58
PROCEDURE OF DYING
DECLARATION
In a critically ill medico legal case that is not expected to survive, medical
officer treating the case should inform the police to arrange for recording
evidence so that the magistrate should come and record the dying
declaration. Provided it has been made by the deceased while in a fit mental
condition as certified by the attending doctor. In all the cases where there is
immediate likelihood of death and it is not possible to contact a magistrate,
the dying declaration must be recorded by the doctor of the unit concerned in
the presence of another gazetted officer or two responsible persons, either
two fellow doctors or two persons from qualified nursing staff . Statement of
the witness shall be recorded, preferably in the vernacular of the patient in
which he/ she speaks. In all such cases medical officer should obtain either
signatures or thumb impression of the patient. The original dying declaration
shall be sent to the SDM concerned in a sealed cover through the Medical
Record Department. Doctor should not attest the dying declaration or act as a
witness in case when police or magistrate records the dying declaration.

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 59
Medico-legal Reports
a) Pre-amble-includes the date, time and place of examination,
name of the patient, his residential address, occupation; name
of the person(s)/police official accompanying, DDR/FIR No.,
informed consent of the person being examined, two marks of
identification, etc, wherever applicable.
b) Body (Findings/Observations)-includes a complete description
of the injuries/any other findings present; any
investigations/referrals, etc, asked for.
c) Post-amble (Opinion)-includes the
Nature of the injury-whether simple or grievous.
Weapon/Force used-whether blunt or sharp or fire-arms or
burns, etc.
Duration of the injuries-based on the characteristics of the
external injuries.
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 60
NURSE’S RESPONSIBILITY IN MEDICO-LEGAL
DISCHARGE PROCEDURE

1. CHECK FOR MEDICO LEGAL HISTORY


2. NOTIFY MEDICAL OFFICER INCHARGE
3. ABSCOND CASES IMMEDIATELY CONTACT
MEDICAL OFFICER INCHARGE
4. MAINTAIN ALL DOCUMENTS IN A PROPER MANNER
5. TAKE IN WRITTEN HANDING OVER ANDTAKING OF
ARTICLES
6. NEVER DISCHRGE PATIENT WITHOUT WRITTEN
ORER BY PHYSICIAN
SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE
OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 61
Care of unit after discharge
The room must be cleaned
Ensure the good ventilation in the room
Change all the bed linen & send the soiled one
to the linen department
The doors, windows & furniture's are washed &
cleaned
All articles used by the client should be taken to
utility room, washed, cleaned, sterilized if
necessary or disinfected by chemicals

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 62
Used tubings, cotton balls & gauze pieces must
be discarded
Rearrange the rooms for receiving the next
client
Mattress, pillows, blankets etc should be dusted
& exposed to the sunlight
Bed should be covered with new linen
If the client had communicable disease the room
must be fumigated

SHRI VINOBA BHAVE COLLEGE


OF NURSINGH, SILVASSA 63

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