Why Keep a Question List?
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed in the ICU environment. With complex medical terms and the emotional stress of seeing a loved one ill, it can be challenging to remember everything you want to ask.
Keeping a question list will help you manage that stress and uncertainty.
How to Use This List
- Look at these questions daily. Pick the ones that matter most to you right now.
- Add your own questions as you think of them.
- Choose your top questions before meeting the medical team.
- If you don’t understand an answer, ask for a simpler explanation.
Tips for Asking Questions Effectively
- Focus on 3-5 main questions for each talk with the medical team.
- Be specific to get detailed answers.
- It’s okay to ask for simpler explanations.
- Consider choosing one family member to ask questions during rounds.
Remember: There are no “stupid” questions about your loved one’s health. Your questions help the medical team provide the best care and keep you informed.
Questions to Consider
- What is the current status of the patient’s medical condition?
- Are there any signs of improvement or decline?
- Are there any changes in medications or treatments being considered?
- How is the patient responding to the current treatments or interventions?
- Are there any upcoming procedures or tests planned?
- What are the patient’s recent test results? How do they compare to previous results?
- What are the patient’s current vital signs? How do they compare to previous readings?
- What is the plan for the day?
- Is the patient eating or drinking? Why or why not?
- Is the patient moving? Or being moved by staff members?
- What issues are keeping the patient in this unit?
- When should I expect to hear from the medical team next?
- What symptoms is the patient experiencing?
- What is being done to treat these symptoms?
- What lines or medical devices are still connected to the patient? Does the patient still need all of them?
- What is this medication for?
- How will this medication help my loved one?
- What are the common side effects of this medication?
- Are there any serious side effects we should watch for?
- How long will my loved one need to take this medication?
- Will this new medication interact with any of their current medications?
- How will we know if the medication is working?
- Are there any activities, foods, or drinks my loved one should avoid while on this medication?
- What should we do if my loved one misses a dose?
- Will my loved one need any tests or monitoring while on this medication?
- Is this medication replacing another one, or is it in addition to current medications?
- Is there a generic version of this medication available?
- Are there any alternatives to this medication we should consider?
- How should this medication be stored if we continue it at home?
- Will my loved one need to take this medication after leaving the ICU?
- What are the goals for today/this week?
- Can you provide an update on the prognosis and expected timeline for improvement?
- Are there any factors affecting the patient’s prognosis that we should be aware of?
- How can we best support the patient’s recovery process at this stage?
- What’s the overall treatment strategy?
- What are the next steps in the patient’s care plan?
- When might my loved one be ready to leave the ICU?
- What should we prepare for after the ICU stay?
- Are there any specific care instructions or precautions we need to follow?
- Can we discuss potential discharge options and timelines?
- Are there any resources or support services available to help with the transition from the ICU to a lower level of care or home?
- How can we stay updated on the patient’s progress and any changes in their condition?
- Who should we contact if we have questions or concerns outside of family rounds?
- Can we schedule regular family meetings or updates to discuss the patient’s care plan and progress?
- How can family members be involved in care decisions?
- What’s the best way to communicate with the care team?
- How can we best address the emotional needs of the patient and our family during this challenging time?
- Are there support services or counseling resources available for patients and families in the hospital?
- How can we help our loved one stay oriented and comfortable?
- Are there support groups for families of ICU patients?
- How can we manage stress and self-care while supporting our loved one?
- What is the purpose of this procedure/test?
- What are the risks and benefits?
- How should we prepare for it?
- When will we know the results?
- How will this procedure/test impact the overall treatment plan?
- Are there any alternatives to this procedure/test?
- How is pain being managed?
- Is my loved one experiencing any discomfort we should know about?
- Can we bring personal items to make them more comfortable?
- How can we best communicate with our loved one in their current state?
- Are there any limitations on visiting hours or number of visitors?
- How can we help maintain our loved one’s dignity during their ICU stay?
Use our note tracker to log your questions and keep them handy.
