Okuzeka
Nursing vocabulary · Documentation

Chart

Meaning in nursing, with examples

/tʃɑːrt/verbCore term

In nursing, chart means: To write down information about a patient, such as observations, medicines given or fluids taken, in their record or on a special form.

In Turkish: kaydetmek, forma işlemek

How it is used

Especially common in American English: 'I need to chart', 'Did you chart that?', 'Charting takes up half my shift.' As a noun, 'chart' means the record itself or a single form: 'fluid chart', 'drug chart', 'obs chart'. UK nurses more often say 'document' or 'write it in the notes'.

Example sentences

  1. Don't forget to chart the 2 a.m. blood pressure.

  2. I charted the dressing change and the wound measurements in the electronic record.

Common collocations

  • chart vital signs
  • chart fluid intake
  • patient chart
  • fluid chart
  • chart accurately
  • nursing notesThe written or electronic record in which nurses describe a patient's condition, the care given and any changes or events during each shift.
  • medication chartThe form or electronic record where a patient's medicines are prescribed and where nurses sign for each dose they give or do not give.
  • fluid balanceThe difference between all the fluid a patient takes in (drinks, drips, feeds) and all the fluid they lose (urine, vomit, drains) over a set time.
  • care planA written plan that sets out a patient's nursing needs, the goals of care and the actions the team will take to meet them.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Documentation

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.