When a patient states "something isnt right..."

[turnforthenurse]

And try just cannot put their finger on it, what do you do? I have encountered patients like this and was told to never ignore it, because usually when patients think they are going to die, they do. Thankfully nothing has happened with these encounters. I try to get an idea of "what is wrong" but the patient doesn't know. Usually VS are WNL, might be a little tachy from anxiety or something. Upon assessment, everything just seems benign.

So what do you do?

[R. Obias Jr., R.N.]

Pain or impending conditions are expressed by patients indifferent forms, others express them directly,some with different emotional reactions, panic, quietness or anything out of the normal routine. So make sure to check out everything and always be on alert with patients , specially those in special or critical conditions.

[merlee]

I had to beg for a cardiac cath. Terribly fatigued, no other symptoms. Surprise! Three blocked arteries - 2 stents later, feeling like a new person. Said to the doc later "Told you I was sick'.

ALWAYS listen to the patient.