Questions to Ask a Nurse

Visiting the doctor for even routine medical procedures is often stressful. Many people worry that what appears to be a common cold or flu could actually be something more sinister. Much of the stress stems from lack of information. Prior to visiting their health care provider, patients ought to write down a list of questions to ask the nurse. Questions can vary depending on the type of treatment the patient is seeking.

Ask for a visual representation

• According to Cancer.net, doctors and nurses often use medical terminology to describe treatment and medication. Some patients may have never heard of these terms and do not fully understand the nature of the treatment from the nurse's description alone. Patients can ask their nurse to show a picture of what treatment they will be undergoing.

Ask about the risks

• Whether it is outpatient surgery, simple over-the-counter medication or complex medical procedures, some degree of risk is always present. Patients should not be afraid to discuss the risks with a nurse. These professionals can provide some information to patients that help alleviate stress caused by worrying about risk. By discussing the treatment, the patient can better understand how likely or unlikely the risks are, how severe they are and thereby make a better determination about undergoing the treatment.

Ask about the nurse's training and qualifications

• Stress often stems from mistrust. Patients may not feel confident in their care provider's abilities. When a patient meets with a nurse, it is appropriate to ask about the nurse's training and qualifications. Find out where the nurse went to school and how long he or she has been practicing medicine. Discuss how often the nurse helps care for patients with similar ailments or conditions.

Ask questions as they come up

• Patients should be active listeners when speaking with their nurse. As the nurse explains something, the patient ought to interject questions that pop into his or her head to make sure that the information is clear and thorough. Patients can take a notebook in with them during their meeting and write down questions to ask the nurse at the end of the meeting, if desired.