Are family members asking you for med advice?

[dorselm]

I will graduate as a diploma RN in Dec 08 and recently my brother-in-law became sick and wouldn't you know it, his wife calls me to see if I know what's wrong with him.

My 2 yr old niece starts having severe diarrhea and of course my sister runs to my house to ask me what I think.

My daughter has suddenly become a hypochrondiac with a new condition everyday on just about every part of the body imaginable.

I almost hate to pick up the phone when a family member calls, I tell them, even when I become a nurse, I am not the family health center, do what you've done before I entered the field, talk to your doctor!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Natingale, EdD, RN]

My dad is a diabetic and he stubbed his toe really bad to the point where the toe nail is purple ..so hes asking me for advice .. I told him well since youre a diabetic and it looks pretty bad keep an eye on it. If you develop gangrene you'll need to amputate it. ORRRR You could just check with a DOCTOR and see what he says.

Ive never seen someone jump so fast to make an appointment LOL

Dude im a NS what do I KNOW??

But yeah across the board, there is always liability involved when youre giving medical advice, just say there could be a million reasons why this that and the other is happening.

[lemonaidangel]

Yeah, since starting school, I have seen more rashes located in weird places than I ever wanted to see in my life. Seriously, I had a family member corner me the other day just so she could show me the rash that is spreading under her breasts and wanted me to tell her what I thought it was. Eww!

[AirforceRN, RN]

To all the students out there...seize the opportunity to learn and practice. If a neighbour or relative wants you to look at a wrist "boo-boo," go for it! Do ROM with them, palpate the bones, check the cap refil etc. If someone comes to you with a cough...perfect! Break out the stethoscope! Listen to all fields, see if you hear any strange wheezes, gurgles, rubs etc. While you are there, listen to their heart and if you have a sphygnomanometer check their bp too. When you are done, ask about their health history, do they take any meds? When did the pain start, what makes it better, worse?...you know...the regular questions. Once you are all done...stand up, say "Well, I don't know...you should probably see a professional" and there you go...your good deed for the day AND you get practice all in one shot!

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I'm never too eager to give advice, but when my Grandmother called me one semester (at school no less), and told me her home BP cuff was reading 90/50 and she was feeling really weak and dizzy, I ask her what pills she had to take for the day. When she said "Lopressor" I immediately told her to skip that morning's dose and call her doctor. Don't want Grandma passing out.

[txnursingqt]

To all the students out there...seize the opportunity to learn and practice. If a neighbour or relative wants you to look at a wrist "boo-boo," go for it! Do ROM with them, palpate the bones, check the cap refil etc. If someone comes to you with a cough...perfect! Break out the stethoscope! Listen to all fields, see if you hear any strange wheezes, gurgles, rubs etc. While you are there, listen to their heart and if you have a sphygnomanometer check their bp too. When you are done, ask about their health history, do they take any meds? When did the pain start, what makes it better, worse?...you know...the regular questions. Once you are all done...stand up, say "Well, I don't know...you should probably see a professional" and there you go...your good deed for the day AND you get practice all in one shot!

I love that idea! Thanks.

[lainith]

Everyone asks me for "medical advice". I tell them that "in my pre-professional opinion, I believe that... you should see a doctor. Good luck."

[Kymmi]

Ive been a nurse for many many years and I do not mind speaking to my close family members regarding health issues but I only tell them what I truly know and if I think they need to see the MD I make sure to tell them that also. What I mean is if its a new symptom I tell them why they should see their MD however if its to reinforce what the MD has already told them I do not mind doing that.

I DO NOT speak to any other people who know Im a nurse when they ask me medical questions. My usual response is "Don't ask me..Im off duty" . I say it in a joking manner and then suggest they see the MD. After a few times of saying that they get the hint.

[ste94ie]

I hate hearing that phrase "well, you're the nurse.." when I'm not even one!

[Bobylon]

Advice ??? No, not yet. However, my father-in-law is letting me practice by giving him his insulin shots a few times a week