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 Slideshare.net. 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 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