What do patients say that irks you?

Fiona59 · Jun 17, 2005, 09:11 PM

Visiting family members who are experts on the condition of the patient they are visiting and don't hesitate to share their medical wisdom and question my every action.... Yup, nice that your sister had 7 days in for a delivery back in the '80's but it aint happening now.... so please stop telling your nephews wife that she needs to be here for at least five days...

laurakoko · Jun 17, 2005, 09:49 PM

Had a patient, yesterday, screamed: "I need the nurse, nurse, NURSE,"

I went in, is everything ok?!?!?

Yeah everything is ok, but, can you heat my pizza, change the baby, get a blanket for my boyfriend, and oh, order me a coke???

I replied, "here's the baby, here's the diaper and wipes, I will heat the pizza, as you need your nutrition because you are breastfeeding, and your man can walk to the desk to get a blanket, after he helps you change the baby. As for coke, it can make the baby gassy and fussy, so I will bring you water or juice.

I am not a service, but a nurse, to maintain health and wellness, and TEACH people how to take care of themselves and others.

**prmenrs** · Jun 17, 2005, 10:34 PM

I once had a 15 y/o mom whose baby was in Level II for antibiotics. The grandmother brought her in to visit. The baby started fussing, no response by Mom. I said, "Would you like to change the baby's diaper?" Mom's answer, "That's your job!" Grandmother gasped, she was mortified. I just smiled and told her that I knew how to do it, I needed to see if she did so that when the she could care for the baby when he got home.

I love teenage moms!

daisybaby · Jun 18, 2005, 12:29 PM

I love the patients who exhaustedly tell their visitors, "I was in (insert ridiculous number here) hours of labor." This usually prompts a glaring, "The nurses let you go HOW long until you got your epidural?!"

Had a teenage pt come in repeatedly over several weeks, every time she felt the slightest twinge. No amount of teaching (verbal, written, video, you name it) to pt. or grandma could impress upon the notion of a) calling the MD first as opposed to just presenting to LDR; and b) one contraction over eight hours is not active labor.

By the time the family parade swept through our LDR for the last time (for postdate induction, no less), grandma pronounced, "Well, it's about time you people did something. She's been in labor for twenty-three &$@*#%* days."

Yep.

Zhlake · Jun 18, 2005, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by laurakoko

As for coke, it can make the baby gassy and fussy, so I will bring you water or juice.

Sorry to nitpick...but you can drink coke while breastfeeding. Some babies are very sensitive to caffeine, but I always advise moms to drink caffeine in moderation if desired, just like during pregnancy.

*SmilingBluEyes* · Jun 18, 2005, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by prmenrs

I once had a 15 y/o mom whose baby was in Level II for antibiotics. The grandmother brought her in to visit. The baby started fussing, no response by Mom. I said, "Would you like to change the baby's diaper?" Mom's answer, "That's your job!" Grandmother gasped, she was mortified. I just smiled and told her that I knew how to do it, I needed to see if she did so that when the she could care for the baby when he got home.

I love teenage moms!

Good response, Sandra!!!!! I have been known to say the same thing to princesses like this too.

**madwife2002** · Jun 18, 2005, 04:42 PM

Off topic and just curious. Here in Uk dont give a woman in normal labour epidural til she is 4 cm- do you give before in US?

*SmilingBluEyes* · Jun 18, 2005, 04:48 PM

Depends, really. A Strict "no less than 4cm" guideline was used by many, but for some, it hurt progress if they were in severe pain or "stuck at 3" (I have seen women go from 3-8 or 9 rapidly after being made comfortable).

Now, where I work, cervical change e.g. "adequate labor" with contractions that are changing the cervix---- and patient report of significant pain along with her request for anesthesia----- are all we need to initiate labor epidural anesthesia, after we have called the doctor to get the order. Our MD's are quite liberal with pain medication and use of epidural/intrathecal anesthesia. Patients who are in active labor usually get the pain med of their choice when requested without delay, unless medical conditions dictate otherwise.

joyful nurse · Jun 18, 2005, 07:46 PM

THat's so funny. I started nursing at 22 yrs old and wish I had a nickel for every time I heard, "you look too young to be a nurse!" Unfortunately that was 29 years ago! I haven't heard that in a little while! ENjoy it!

Originally Posted by angie1982

I get this one a lot too, I am very young looking and short too. I am 23 years old, brand new RN, problem is I look like Im about 16. Especially those nights when I'm too tired to put makeup on before work. God, I'm so sick of oh you are such a cute little thing (mostly from little old ladies) Or my you are so young. Oh well i'll appreciate it when i'm 35 and look like i'm 25 (i hope)

RNnL&D · Jun 19, 2005, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by madwife2002

Off topic and just curious. Here in Uk dont give a woman in normal labour epidural til she is 4 cm- do you give before in US?

I think it depends on the facility. Where I work, we don't give epidurals before 4 cm either.

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What do patients say that irks you?

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