Final answer:
The type of charting that records a patient's problems by number is the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR) system. It uses a unique number for each problem to index all related information and interventions, tracked with the SOAP note format.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of charting that records a patient's problems by number is known as the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR) system. This system organizes information in a patient’s medical record by identifying and numbering each patient problem. It includes four components: the database, the problem list, the initial plans, and the progress notes.
In the Problem List, each problem is assigned a unique number which is used to index the initial plans and progress notes. This helps healthcare providers quickly track the progress and status of each problem individually. For example, 'Problem #1' could be asthma, and every note or intervention related to this problem would be indexed under the corresponding number. The progress notes are documented using a system known as SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) to maintain a structured approach to each problem.
Collecting data such as vital signs, symptoms, lab results is an integral part of patient care, and the POMR system allows for this data to be referenced easily. Over time, the list of problems may change, and the numbers help maintain consistency throughout the patient's record.