Focus Charting (F-DAR): How
to do Focus Charting or F-DAR
Notes
Fundamentals of Nursing
Dec 22, 2011
16 14808
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
individuals record. Focus Chartingis a systematic approach to documentation.
Contents [show]
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 Response
a sign or a 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 clients response to any nursing and medical care.
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 Hyperthermia
Date/Hour Focus Progress Notes
5/20/2010 Hyperthermia D:
8:00pm Temperature of 38.9 OC via axilla
Skin is flushed and warm to touch
A:
Tepid Sponge Bath (TSB) done
7:30pm
Administered 250mg IV Paracetamol as per
doctors order
Encouraged adequate oral fluid intake
Encouraged adequate rest
R:
10:00pm
Temperature decreased from 38.9 to 37.1 OC
Another Variation
This is DAR made by Jay-D Man of [Link]. with some modifications made. This
is a very good variation.
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
2:00pm out of the room per wheelchair with improved condition
References/Sources:
A very helpful guide on F-DAR or Focus Charting via [Link]
Fundamentals of Nursing by Kozier and Erbs
