The patient with left-sided weakness who just had vocal cord surgery is unable to speak. The secretary, and anyone who might answer the patient’s call, must know the patient cannot speak and someone must physically enter the patient’s room to determine what the patient needs. The patient will likely remain NPO after vocal cord surgery until a swallow study is performed to ensure the patient can safely eat and drink. The patient is at risk for bleeding following surgery, but testing for occult blood does not promote the patient’s safety. Ice collars will help with discomfort but ice chips may or may not be allowed.