1BUSY SN 20 Posts Specializes in School Nursing, Corrections. Has 3 years experience. Mar 26, 2009 "Since then, this Inmate states unable to care for self. Urinates on himself and refuses to do any self care. Refuses to feed himself or do more than defecate in the toilet."I don't see where this is abuse, imprisonment, or assault. No where in your story do you say that the IM asked the nurse to stop or stated that he didn't want help showering or didn't want a shower (unless im missing it) He just refused to do his own total care. I would think it would be more of a neglect issue if the care or assistance was not offered to him to help keep him functioning at his optimal level of health. I think the nurse took appropriate measure in showering him but may need to be a little less aggressive in her methods. Of course, just my ....I was not there, did not participate, and do not know the whole story so perhaps some detail or two was lost in translation that could change the outcome.
freddiebear 36 Posts Apr 5, 2009 When it comes to abuse I think the law is very clear. Even though someone is working in a prison cant an inmate complain to the RN board in regards to allegations of abuse?Sounds like there needs to be a definate medical evaluation done as to the mental fitness of this man. As in if he is refusing to take care of himself ( his right to refuse or perform self care) or is he legally incompetent, unable to make his own decisions and needs someone else to? Also, in a prison setting isnt the safety of the staff a concern, considering the type of people you are dealing with?One clue to this inmates behavior would be what was his mental status before he got locked up. If it was in normal range then there is a good chance he has morphed his personality into whatever will bring him the most profit. As in controlling the nursing staff with his unacceptable behavior. Nothing that an MRI of the brain wont solve.
