Listmates,
    I haven't had issues with "patient denies" XYZ symptoms, since it is a
common way of expressing which symptoms the mom does or doesn't have.  But I
was trying to think of alternatives and all I could come up with was "Mom's
history is negative for...".  I do teach my students to use these words -
Mom/patient reports, describes, complains of, notices, observes, etc.  I
guess we could use "Mom has not noted or observed ...".  That's pretty
straightforward.
    I do absolutely avoid (and teach the students to avoid) to term
"refuses" (unless it is truly appropriate), and to substitute "declines"
(Example: Mom describes mild episiotomy pain, but declines offers of
analgesics." or "Mom encouraged to hold infant, but declined").  I joke with
the student that there are many things "offered" in the hospital that most
people would politely decline if it were an option!
    Anyone have better word suggestions for "denies"?
Martha Sleutel, PhD, RN, CNS

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