Question

Your EMS system uses a computerized PCR in which you fill in the information electronically and then

send it to the emergency department via a secure Internet server. The PCR has a comprehensive series of
drop-down boxes, which are used to identify your assessment findings and specify the treatment that you
provided; it also has a section for your narrative. When completing your PCR after a call, you should:
A. defer the narrative only if the information in the drop-down boxes accurately reflects the assessment and
treatment that you performed.
B. complete a thorough and accurate narrative because drop-down boxes cannot provide all of the information
that needs to be documented.
C. enter all of the pertinent information of the electronic PCR, but then print it out and provide a copy to the
emergency department staff.
D. avoid documenting personally identifiable information, such as the patient's name, because the PCR could
be intercepted during transmission.

Answer 1

You should complete a thorough and accurate narrative in the PCR, as drop-down boxes alone do not capture all required details of the patient encounter.

Step-by-step explanation:

When completing your Patient Care Report (PCR) after a call, you should complete a thorough and accurate narrative because drop-down boxes cannot provide all of the information that needs to be documented. Although electronic PCRs with drop-down boxes are useful for standardizing data entry, they may not capture the nuances and unique details of a particular patient encounter. The narrative section is essential for providing a complete picture of the assessment and treatment provided. It allows for the inclusion of pertinent details that drop-down menus cannot cover, such as the patient's specific complaints, the context of the injury or illness, and any unusual circumstances that were encountered.