Conditions that can prolong a hospital stay

Pain – not controlled with oral medications

Elevated Blood glucose >200

Elevated Blood pressure SBP> 150

Fever T>101

Nausea/Vomiting/Inability to eat

Problems with mobility – lack of ambulation

Atrial fibrillation – new or uncontrolled chronicCellulitis/thrombophlebitis at IV sites

Volume overload – edema, pleural effusions

Pleural effusion – as indicated by inability to wean from O2, low grade temp, elevated WBC, detected on physical exam, or present on a chest Xray.

Anticoagulation – waiting for a therapeutic INR

Incision problems – drainage, erythema

 

Promptly report any of these findings so the problem can be addressed without delay.