You finally get to go home — and you are handed a thick stack of papers, often called your discharge papers or discharge summary, full of abbreviations, diagnoses you have never heard of and instructions that blur together. You are exhausted, maybe a little scared, and the one moment you could have asked questions has already passed.
This guide walks through every section of hospital discharge papers in plain English, so you know exactly what to do at home — and what warning signs mean you should pick up the phone.
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What are discharge papers and a discharge summary?
Discharge papers (sometimes called discharge instructions or an after-visit summary) are the official record of your hospital stay and your plan for recovering at home. The most detailed piece is usually the discharge summary — the narrative your care team writes describing what happened during your stay. Together they typically include your diagnosis, the condition you were in when you left, your updated medication list, activity and diet restrictions, follow-up appointments and warning signs to watch for.
They are confusing because they are written for the next clinician, not for you. They lean on Latin abbreviations, clinical names for everyday conditions and shorthand that assumes medical training. The information you need is in there — it is just buried under jargon.
The sections of discharge papers, explained
Diagnosis
The reason you were admitted — usually written in clinical shorthand.
Acute myocardial infarction
A heart attack — blood flow to part of the heart was blocked.
CVA (cerebrovascular accident)
A stroke — blood flow to part of the brain was interrupted.
Pneumonia, community acquired
A lung infection you caught outside of a hospital setting.
CHF exacerbation
Worsening heart failure — your heart is struggling to keep up, so fluid can back up into your lungs and legs.
UTI (urinary tract infection)
A bladder or kidney infection.
Discharge condition
How you were doing at the moment you left the hospital.
Stable
Your vital signs are steady and not expected to change suddenly.
Good
You are comfortable, alert and recovering well.
Fair
You are stable but still have symptoms or need ongoing care.
Improved
You are better than when you arrived, though recovery continues at home.
Activity restrictions
What you can and cannot do while you heal.
No lifting greater than 10 lbs
Do not lift anything heavier than about a gallon of milk.
Ambulate as tolerated
Walk as much as is comfortable — gentle movement helps recovery.
Non-weight bearing
Do not put any weight on that arm or leg — use crutches, a walker or a sling.
No driving while on opioids
Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication — it slows your reactions.
Diet instructions
Food and drink guidance to support your recovery.
2g sodium diet
Limit salt — avoid processed and packaged foods, canned soups and fast food.
Low residue diet
Easy-to-digest foods that leave little waste, to be gentle on your gut while it heals.
Clear liquid diet
Only see-through liquids for now — broth, water and plain juice.
Cardiac diet
Low in fat and salt to take strain off your heart.
Medications
Often written with Latin abbreviations for how and when to take them.
Lisinopril 10 mg PO QD
Take one 10 mg tablet by mouth once a day.
Amoxicillin 500 mg PO TID
Take 500 mg by mouth three times a day.
Metoprolol 25 mg PO BID
Take 25 mg by mouth twice a day.
Oxycodone 5 mg PO PRN pain
Take 5 mg by mouth only as needed for pain.
Atorvastatin 40 mg PO QHS
Take 40 mg by mouth every night at bedtime.
Follow-up appointments
Who to see next, and by when.
Follow up with PCP in 7 days
See your regular doctor (primary care provider) within one week.
Wound check
Have your incision or wound looked at to make sure it is healing properly.
Common abbreviations, decoded
POBy mouth
QDOnce a day
BIDTwice a day
TIDThree times a day
QIDFour times a day
QHSEvery night at bedtime
PRNAs needed
NPONothing by mouth (do not eat or drink)
SOBShortness of breath
N/VNausea and vomiting
HTNHigh blood pressure (hypertension)
DMDiabetes (diabetes mellitus)
COPDChronic lung disease
WNLWithin normal limits (normal)
F/UFollow up
A&OAlert and oriented (awake and aware)
Red flags — call your doctor or go to the ER
Recovery rarely runs in a perfectly straight line, but some symptoms need prompt attention. Call your provider — or go to the emergency room — if you notice any of these:
A fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
Pain that is getting worse or is not controlled by your medication
Redness, swelling, warmth or drainage around a wound or incision
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Chest pain, pressure or tightness
Sudden confusion, slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
Not being able to keep food, fluids or medication down
Swelling, pain or warmth in one leg — a possible blood clot
Bleeding that will not stop, or blood in your urine or stool
Little or no urination for 12 hours or more
For chest pain, severe trouble breathing, fainting, sudden weakness or signs of a stroke, do not wait for a callback — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Questions to ask before you leave
1What was my diagnosis, in plain language?
2Which of my medications are new, and which should I stop taking?
3What activities should I avoid, and for how long?
4What symptoms mean I should call you versus go straight to the ER?
5When and where is my follow-up appointment, and who do I call to schedule it?
6How do I care for my wound or incision at home?
7Are there foods, drinks or activities I should avoid with these medications?
8Who do I call after hours if I have a question or a problem?
Still confused by your discharge papers?
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Medical disclaimer: This page is educational and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always follow the specific instructions on your own discharge papers and the guidance of your licensed healthcare provider. Call 911 in an emergency.