We’re not supposed to laugh at a medical chart error, especially if it puts a patient life at risk. However, mistakes are part of human nature, and nurses as well as other medical professionals are not immune to it. Of course, hospital chart errors are meant to teach us a lesson. It’s one thing to commit a mistake once but doing it over and over again is something else. And for those who already committed an error while charting, it takes maturity to finally laugh about it, move on, and ensure that it won’t happen again. This is exactly why we made this list–to enable other nurses to learn from other people’s mistakes. Without further ado, here are some of the most hilarious hospital chart bloopers that actually occurred in the pursuit of care: 1. “Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.” 2. “She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.” 3. “On the second day, the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.” 4. “The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.” 5. “Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.” 6. “The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.” 7. “While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.” 8. “Patient was present when suppository was inserted.” 9. “Patient vomited a large amount of emesis.” 10. “Alert with episodes of forgetfulness.” 11. “Pt has hx of PICKLE cell anemia.” 12. “Vaginal packing out, Dr. Lee in.” 13. “Bleeding began in the rectal area and continued all the way to Los Angeles.” 14. “Surgery will be performed under General Anastasia.” 15. “The pelvic examination will be done later on the floor.” 16. “Skin: Somewhat pale but present.” 17. “Large brown stool ambulating in the hall. ” 18. “Patient has two teenage children but no other abnormalities.” 19. “The patient refused an autopsy.” 20. “She is numb from her toes down.” 21. “Exam of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.” 22. “The patient was prepped and raped in the usual manner.” 23. “Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.” 24. “Suppositories given, sat on the toilet with no result, will try again after christmas.” 25. “Social history reveals this 1 year old patient does not smoke or drink and is presently unemployed.” 26. “Patient’s foot was amputated above the knee.” 27. “Following the exam of her breasts we discussed the impending nasal surgery.” 28. “His prognosis was poor, having a massive cerebral hemorrhoid.” 29. “Rectal exam reveals normal-size thyroid.” 30. “Both her old and new noses have been placed in our album.” Source
