Bedside Guide English

What do you have?

Choose all that apply. We'll show what to look out for with each one.

Not sure what you have? Ask your nurse.

Your IV line

Do you notice any of these?

  • Looseness or Wetness Bandage feels loose, or fluid leaks around the site.
  • Pain or Redness The area hurts, looks red, or feels swollen.

If you notice any of these, contact your care team right away.

Your urinary catheter

Do you notice any of these?

  • Color Changes Urine looks cloudy, dark yellow, pink, or bloody.
  • No Flow No urine drains into the bag for over 2 hours.
  • Bag Position The bag is higher than your bladder, or touching the floor.
  • Pain or Redness The site hurts, looks red, or feels swollen.

If you notice any of these, contact your care team right away.

Your dressing

Do you notice any of these?

  • Looseness or Wetness Bandage feels loose, or fluid oozes from under the edges.
  • Pain or Redness Skin around the bandage hurts, looks red, or feels swollen.

If you notice any of these, contact your care team right away.

How you feel

Watch for these whatever you have.

Do you notice any of these?

  • Fever or Chills You have a fever, sweating, or sudden chills.
  • Confusion or Dizziness Feeling confused, lightheaded, or unusual.

If you notice any of these, contact your care team right away.

Have you brushed your teeth today?

Brushing your teeth is the best thing you can do to help prevent pneumonia. Pneumonia is a real risk for every patient in hospital, and this is in your power.

Brush twice a day, morning and night.

Need a toothbrush or help brushing? Ask your nurse.

Set brushing reminders

Say “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google”, then:

“Remind me every day at 8 am to brush my teeth.”

Then say it again for 8 pm.

Are you steady on your feet?

Falls are a real risk for every patient in hospital. Medicines, illness, tubes and a strange room can all make you unsteady, and these are things you can help with.

  • Call your nurse before getting up if you’ve been told to, or if you feel dizzy or weak.
  • Don’t rush to the toilet. Ask for help early.
  • Wear non-slip footwear, and keep your glasses and call bell within reach.

Not sure if you should get up on your own? Ask your nurse.

Check every day

At least once a day, look at your IV, catheter or dressing and go through the warning signs again.

Set a daily reminder

Say “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google”, then:

“Remind me every day at 9 am to check for warning signs.”

Keep this for home

Save this page on your phone so you can come back to it.

Contact your care team

In hospital?

Press your call bell or tell your nurse.

Call for advice

Call your hospital, clinic, or doctor. Use the number they gave you.

If no one answers, consider contacting your local health service or emergency number, if you think it's warranted and appropriate.

Important Information

Timertag pages provide guidance only and do not replace direct medical advice from your healthcare team. Your clinic or hospital remains responsible for your treatment. If you feel unwell, contact your nurse or doctor immediately.

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