f. Before the patient is dismissed from the clinic, you should review the medical
officer's orders on the Chronological Record of Medical Care and make sure the patient
understands what he is to do. If the patient requires additional instruction, check with
the medical officer to make sure the additional instructions you give are in accordance
with his instructions.
g. If the patient was administered medications that may cause drowsiness, loss
of coordination, or similar problems, you may wish to detain the patient for observation
(usually about 15 to 20 minutes). A cot or recovery bed is often provided near the
treatment room for this purpose. An escort may also be provided to ensure the patient
reaches his destination safely.
5-4.
THE SICK CALL INTERVIEW
When you are interviewing a patient during sick call and are not using ADTMC,
you should talk to the patient, listen to his complaints, and look for signs and symptoms
of discomfort or distress. Some of the signs and symptoms you should look for during
the initial contact are indicated below.
a. Skin.
(1)
Is the skin hot to the touch? Cold to the touch?
(2)
Does it look flushed? Pale?
(3)
Is a rash present? If so, where is it located?
(4)
Are the lips or nail beds bluish?
b. Wounds.
(1)
Where is the wound located?
(2) Has a dressing been applied to the wound? If so, what is the condition
of the dressing?
c. Eyes and Eyelids.
(1)
Are the pupils enlarged? Pinpoint?
(2)
Is the "white" of the eye yellow? Red?
(3)
Are the eyelids swollen? Are they encrusted at the margins?
MD0920
5-4