[Momto2Boys]

I am a new nurse and have been working at a correctional facility since the end of August. When I respond to an inmate complaining of something I get nervous on how to handle a situation. Well maybe not nervous but lack of confidence. All the nurses say dont let them pull one over you and I try to keep that in mind when I visit the cells.

Like lastnight I had a female saying she was bleeding to death (vaginally) I did all her VS all WNL, good skin tugor, cap refill <3 seconds, moist membranes, skin warn and dry. She did have a bump on her head from where she said she fell out. I asked how much she was saturating and for how long. She said she has been bleeding since the end of Septembe and she went through 8 pads. I asked where were the pads to see how saturated they were but she said she flushed them down the toliet. I asked how her bleeding was at that moment and she said it was gushing so I asked to take a look at what she had on to get an idea and it was scant traces of blood nothing saturated. So I told her ice to the head, rest, drink fluid and elevate legs. But after I left I was thinking if I should have called the doctor or not because of the fall. I did also ask why she had not mention anything about the bleeding before and she said she didnt know she thought it would go away. I did ask for her to follow up with the clinic in the AM. When I left the cell the officers say sh ecomplains of something atleast once a week. I dont know when to take them serious and when not to. I a new grad 8 months and a LPN. Any feedback positive or negative I would appreciate. I doubt my self often and wonder if it just comes with time.

[santhony44]

Did you do a neuro assessment? I know she was obviously awake and alert but a little more wouldn't hurt.

It sounds as if you did an appropriate assessment of the bleeding. Having her checked in the clinic was also a good idea.

What I doubt was the part about flushing the pads- I don't know that she could have done that without clogging the toilet, but then I'm not familiar with the prison environment.

Confidence in yourself and a feel for when someone is trying to con you will come with time. Give yourself a chance, it takes a year minimum to start to feel as if you know what you're doing.

Good luck!

[santhony44]

Oh, and this is something a preceptor once told me: Crazy people get sick too. Not saying that the inmates are crazy, but it's a parallel.

Keep in mind that they may be trying to manipulate you, but their complaints need to be checked out regardless.

[Momto2Boys]

Originally Posted by santhony44

Did you do a neuro assessment? I know she was obviously awake and alert but a little more wouldn't hurt.

It sounds as if you did an appropriate assessment of the bleeding. Having her checked in the clinic was also a good idea.

What I doubt was the part about flushing the pads- I don't know that she could have done that without clogging the toilet, but then I'm not familiar with the prison environment.

Confidence in yourself and a feel for when someone is trying to con you will come with time. Give yourself a chance, it takes a year minimum to start to feel as if you know what you're doing.

Good luck!

No I didnt do a nero check. I should have.

I didnt buy the whole flushing the pads down the toliet either and I asked the officers if she was able to do that and they said she shouldnt be.

Thanks for the response and advise!

[Momto2Boys]

Originally Posted by santhony44

Oh, and this is something a preceptor once told me: Crazy people get sick too. Not saying that the inmates are crazy, but it's a parallel.

Keep in mind that they may be trying to manipulate you, but their complaints need to be checked out regardless.

You are absolutely right.