efinition
Focus Charting of F-DAR is intended to make the client and client concerns and strengths
the focus of care. It is a method of organizing health information in an individuals
record. Focus Charting is a systematic approach todocumentation.
Contents [hide]
Focus Charting Parts
Progress Notes
Focus Charting (F-DAR) Samples
o
F-DAR for Pain
F-DAR for Hyperthermia
Another Variation
Focus Charting Parts
Three columns are usually used in Focus Charting for documentation:
Date and Hour
Focus
Progress Notes
The progress notes are organized into (D) data, (A) action, and (R) response, referred to as
DAR (third column).
Here is an example of a format of Focus Charting or F-DAR
Date/Hour
Focus
3/7/2010
Focus of care, this
Data
8:00pm
may be:a nursing
Action
diagnosis
Response
a sign or a symptom
an acute change in
the condition
behavior
Progress Notes
Progress Notes
Data (D)
The data category is like the assessment phase of the nursing process. It is in this category
that you would be writing your assessment cues like: vital signs, behaviors, and other
observations noticed from the patient. Both subjective and objective data are recorded in
the data category.
Action (A)
The action category reflects the planning and implementation phase of the
nursing process and includes immediate and future nursing actions. It may also include any
changes to the plan of care.
Response (R)
The response category reflects the evaluation phase of the nursing process and describes
the clients response to any nursing and medical care.
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Focus Charting (F-DAR) Samples
Listed below are sample focus charting for different problems.
F-DAR for Pain
The focus of this problem is pain. Notice the way how the D, A, and R are written.
Date/Hour
Focus
Progress Notes
5/20/201
Pain
D:
08:00pm
Reports of sharp pain on the abdomina
incision area with a pain scale of 8 out o
10
Facial grimacing
Guarding behavior
Restless and irritable
A:
Administered Celecoxib 200mg IV
Encouraged deep breathing exercises
and relaxation techniques
Kept patient comfortable and safe
R:
Patient reports pain was relieved
F-DAR for Hyperthermia
Date/Hour
Focus
Progress Notes
5/20/2010
Hyperthermia
D:
8:00pm
Temperature of 38.9 C via axilla
Skin is flushed and warm to touch
A:
Tepid Sponge Bath (TSB) done
7:30pm
Administered 250mg IV Paracetamo
as per doctors order
Encouraged adequate oral fluid
intake
Encouraged adequate rest
R:
10:00pm
Temperature decreased from 38.9 t
37.1 C
O
Another Variation
This is DAR made by Jay-D Man of [Link]. with some modifications made. This is a
very good variation.
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F1: Ineffective Breathing Pattern
D1: increase respiratory rate of 24 cpm
D2: use of accessory muscle to breath
D3: presence of nonproductive cough
F2: Hyperthermia
D1: skin warm and flush to touched
D2: increased body temperature of T= 38.9 degree celsius/axilla
F3: Fatigue
D1: less movement noted
A: 9:00am
monitored v/s and charted
regulated IVF and charted
morning care done
assessed patient needs and performed handwashing before handling the
patient
advised SO to always stay on patient bedside
promote proper ventilation and a therapeutic environment
elevated the head of the bed (moderate high back rest)
provided comfort measures and provide opportunity for patient to rest
due meds given
9:30am
tepid sponge bath done
instructed SO to provide blanket and let patient wear loose clothing
F4: Discharge Plan (12:00nn)
D1: discharged order given by [Link]/Time
M advised SO to give the ff. meds at the right time, dose, frequency and
route
E encouraged to maintain cleanliness of the house and surroundings
T advised to go to follow-up consultations on the prescribed date
H encouraged to do chest tapping to facilitate mobilization of secretion
O observed for signs of super infections such as fever, black fury tongue
and foul odor discharges
D encouraged to eat fresh vegetables and fish
S advised to continue praying to God and hear mass on Sunday