Final answer:
During a change-of-shift report, the nurse should communicate significant recent changes such as the removal of the patient's NGT 2 hours ago, as it requires ongoing monitoring. While the negative barium enema performed 3 days ago is relevant medical history, it is less urgent, and while the patient's headache resolution and family visit are good to know, they may not directly impact immediate medical care.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a change-of-shift report, it is crucial for the nurse handing off care to communicate critical updates to the nurse assuming responsibility. The nurse should report recent changes in patient care or condition that need further attention or monitoring. In this scenario, the most important facts to communicate would be:
- That the patient's NGT was removed 2 hours ago: This is a change in the patient's treatment plan that the oncoming nurse needs to be aware of for continued care.
- That the patient's barium enema performed 3 days ago was negative: This is relevant medical history but may be less urgent unless there are ongoing investigations that the incoming nurse needs to be alerted to.
- That the patient verbalized, "My headache is gone.": This is good news, but unless the headache was a symptom the healthcare team was actively treating or monitoring, it may not be as crucial to pass on immediately.
- That the patient's family came for a visit this morning: This is informational and helps in understanding the patient's social support but may not directly impact medical care unless specific instructions or events occurred during the visit that the incoming nurse needs to address.
The key is to focus on recent and significant changes that will affect the patient's immediate care and management during the next shift.