General
flower sign
What does flower sign mean?
A mock clinical sign: the presence of flowers (or cards) by the bed indicates the patient has family and social support, hinting they are less likely to be a difficult social admission.
"Positive flower sign — plenty of family involved in her care."
Origin
Bedside pseudo-'sign' slang.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'flower sign'?
A tongue-in-cheek clinical 'sign' where flowers or cards at the bedside suggest the patient has family and social support.
Is the flower sign a real medical sign?
No, it's a jokey pseudo-sign, though it points to a genuine practical clue about a patient's support network.
What does a 'positive flower sign' imply?
That the patient has engaged family and is less likely to be a difficult social discharge.
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