Question Tracker

Question Tracker

A simple way to track your questions and concerns.

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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

  1. Look at these questions daily. Pick the ones that matter most to you right now.
  2. Add your own questions as you think of them.
  3. Choose your top questions before meeting the medical team.
  4. 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.
TIP

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

Daily Updates
  • 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?
Understanding Medications
  • 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?
The Big Picture
  • 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?
Planning for the Future
  • 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?
Staying Informed and Involved
  • 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?
Emotional and Family Support
  • 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?
Understanding Procedures and Tests
  • 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?
Comfort and Quality of Life
  • 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?
TIP

Use our note tracker to log your questions and keep them handy.