In the hectic atmosphere of a busy emergency department, it’s easy to get confused about your diagnosis or what you’re supposed to do after you leave. Besides, you’re probably also tired and hungry and just want to go home. Studies show that it’s common for patients not to fully comprehend the treatment they receive during an ER visit or remember instructions on how to care for themselves once they’ve been discharged.

Unfortunately, failing to follow discharge orders can lead to medication complications that could land you right back in the emergency room. That’s why ERs provide every discharged patient with a printed copy of instructions and checklists, which are available in many languages. ER staff will go over all the instructions and information. This is the time to make sure you are clear about everything, so don’t be shy about asking questions or requesting more information.

“If you want to get better,” Bill Briggs, president of the Emergency Nurses Association, advises, “you need to follow [discharge] instructions to the letter.” Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you fully comprehend what you need to do at home.

If you were prescribed medications, make sure you know how many pills you have to take, how often to take them, and for how long. You will also want to ask if the medication(s) should be taken with or without food, or at a certain time of day, or if there are any food or other medication interactions of which you need to be aware.

The emergency department is a place where urgent medical needs are treated. Treatment means your condition is stabilized, but, Briggs cautions, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re completely well. If you were told to see your family doctor or a specialist, it’s critical that you do so.

If you’ve sustained a deep cut or broken bone, you will need to understand how to tend to your wounds or take care of your cast. Sometimes wound dressings must be changed every 12 hours, sutures used to stitch up severe lacerations might have to be kept dry, and splints, casts, or pressure bandages should not be allowed to get wet. You may have to temporarily forgo showers in favor of sponge baths. Make sure you know what to do for these types of injuries.

Be clear on what activity levels you can participate in — even moderately strenuous activities may have to be avoided until you’re completely healed.

Check for any special instructions about your diet or foods to avoid. This is especially important for people with diabetes and patients complaining of intestinal problems.

Controlling fevers in children is important for their comfort. Make sure you understand what medications to give your child and the appropriate dosages. And if the fever doesn’t go down, you should check with your family doctor for further advice.

Finally, if questions crop up after you get home, Briggs says, “don’t hesitate to call.”