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Focus Charting (F-DAR): How to do Focus
Charting or F-DAR
By
Matt Vera, BSN, R.N.
-
Definition
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
individual’s record. Focus Charting is a
systematic approach to documentation.
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 Progress Notes
3/7/2010 Focus of care, this Data
8:00pm may be:a nursing
Action
diagnosis
a sign or a Response
symptom
an acute change in
the condition
behavior
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 client’s 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 abdominal
incision area with a
pain scale of 8 out of
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 Pain
Date/Shift Focus Progress Notes
5/20/201 Pain D: - Reports of sharp pain on
the abdominal incision area
6-2 with a pain scale of 8 out of
10, facial grimacing,
Guarding behavior, Restless
and irritable------------HJDA
A: - Administered Celecoxib
200mg IV, Encouraged
deep breathing exercises
and relaxation techniques,
Kept patient comfortable
and safe------------HJDA
R: - Patient reports pain was
relieved ------------HJDA
Signature
Complete Name designation
F-DAR for Hyperthermia
Date/Hour Focus Progress Notes
5/20/2010 Hyperthermia D- Temperature of 38.9 OC
via axilla, Skin is flushed
2-10 and warm to touch--HJDA
A-Tepid Sponge Bath (TSB)
done7:30pm,
Administered 250mg IV
Paracetamol as per
doctor’s order,
Encouraged adequate oral
fluid intake, Encouraged
adequate rest ---------------------HJDA
R: 10:00pm Temperature
decreased from 38.9 to
37.1 OC--------------HJDA
Signature
Complete Name designation
Another Variation
This is DAR made by Jay-D Man of
Slideshare.net. with some modifications
made. This is a very good variation.
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F1: Ineffective Breathing Pattern
ADVERTISEMENTS
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
Dr.Name/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
2:00pm – out of the room per wheelchair
with improved condition
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References/Sources:
A very helpful guide on F-DAR or Focus
Charting via SlideShare.net
Fundamentals of Nursing by Kozier
and Erbs