Cutting corners

One week into cardio on respiratory ward RPH. I guess I am the first to admit I like to scan over the notes, get a reasonable idea of whats going on with the patient and then just get on with it. I'm realising with cardio it's not quite that simple. Last session with my supervisor meant a deeper look at the notes and analysing the pt's past medical history looking at the implications for treatment. When she quizzed me on the relevance of some of his conditions I didn't manage to come up with a very convincing argument for their relevance. After some discussion I realised that this man with COPD who had previously had GB had very weak respiratory muscles as well as UL and LL muscles. It was very important to know this because he could benefit greatly from continued reconditioning program. I realised that the little things you scan over and think they bear no relevance sometimes need to be included in developing the big picture. It takes a bit more time, but as students on placement we have that. I am continuing to work on making sure I don't miss what could potentially be an avenue for effective outcome for the pt.