The use of the word "denies" is common in those with a
medical/nursing/HCP background.  It is generally
understood that, when recording that "patient denies
(fill in blank)" that the HCP inquired about an issue
and the patient's reply to the question was negative,
as in "No, I do not smoke"/"patient denies smoking"
(this technique was referred to as "negative charting"
in my nursing school days).  The use of the word in no
way implies that the patient is lying, nor is it
intended to cast the patient in a negative light; it
is a way of conveying to the reader questions asked by
the HCP.
We all come from so many different backgrounds here on
Lactnet, and we carry knowledge and terminology used
in our "past lives" with us...if use of a particular
word makes you uncomfortable, by all means do not use
it.  However, please remember that someone involved in
lactation may have come from a field where that term
is widely accepted and used, and may continue to use
it when appropriate in their lactation career.
To quote a recent post, "Let's get back to work."
Respectfully,
Carole Jernigan, RN, BSN
LC-to-be

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