As a nurse, what do you do?

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I'm just really curious as to what the proper action would be to this situation. I just left the coffee shop and a woman came in unable to breathe and sweating heavily. She needed a glass if cold water. My first thought was that she was overheated. We asked her if we could call the paramedics and she said no, that she knew what was wrong. I am just a pre-nursing student and felt helpless that I could not do more for the woman. She ended up feeling better rather quickly and explained that when she does not drink before eating her uvula swells to the point that she cannot breathe. She was an obese woman and she said that she had never seen the doctor for her condition. I really thought the woman was going to just fall to the floor. Can anyone please tell me what the proper actions to thus situation would be. Thanks so much.

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

We really cannot give you much help with this situation. Too many variables, too many unknowns. You did what you could, and saw that she was somewhat better.

Thank you for helping her! Best wishes in nursing school.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Peds ICU.

What would I do? Try not to get involved unless I have to.

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Specializes in Med-Surg /Cardiac Step-Down/CICU/CTICU.

i second that nurse mike....seriously !

going on vaca...had to change planes...boyfriend woke me up 3 times....there was a radiologist, a emt, and myself.

1st flight diabetic didn't eat....and falling over out of seat. other diabetic passenger had glucometer and all it read was LO, thank god he was able to swallow whatever we could give this guy. he came around. and then another hour passes and some guy passes out next to the bathroom, syncope.

2nd flight.....lady walking to the bathroom and then has chest pains and dizzy and lays next to bathroom. said she was supposed to follow-up with her cardiologist.

what the heck...all i wanted was to relax and sleep on the plane and not get involved in the drama, at 30,000 feet or higher. and honestly there was limited resources except a small emergency bag they flight attendants had. what could we have honestly done if any of them coded....nothing. well of course CPR and emergent landing when possible.

i wouldn't have gotten up on my own-sleeping with my ipod, except my loud mouth boyfriend saying, "shes a nurse" "baby go help" "hey whats going on, my girlfriend is a nurse" "hey i think someone needs your help". i know there a good sam laws but i rather not get involved unless i absolutely have too

gggeeezzzz and then i would've looked like a horrible person if i didn't. not a good way to start out vaca.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

you did fine...

you offered your assistance...

you stayed and observed when she refused help...

and now you are looking for more information, I think you will be fine in nursing school.

I would do what you did (possibly with a bit more confidence and "flourish" because I am old and bossy like that)...and I wait for the person to become so impaired that I must initiate BLS...which sort of empowers me to decide if we call EMS. LOL

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Can anyone please tell me what the proper actions to thus situation would be. Thanks so much.

If she was breathing and coherent when you left, then you did what you could do. If you think someone is in danger and they refuse your help, you cannot touch them. If this happens, you can either call 911 and report the situation (hand it off to someone else) or you can remain nearby until they pass out and their consent for help is implied.

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

That's a weird situation, for sure.

Another thought -- if she's never been to the doctor, how does she know her uvula is swelling? What does this have to do with not drinking before eating? Sounds like the woman is hypothesizing about her problem to me.

Airway issues are always a concern. However, if this woman got better right in front of you and could vocalize (a known measure of airway patency), it was likely not an emergency. If she was audibly wheezing, stridorous, or couldn't speak due to an occluded airway, I would worry. But if she specifically told you she didn't want the paramedics, you should respect her decision if her condition doesn't appear life threatening. If it does -- then by all means, stand by and call the paramedics, and you'll find out once they get there if she is still in good enough shape to refuse care.

In all situations outside the hospital, remember your BLS and think ABCs. If it's beyond the ABCs (and Ds), patient probably can get away with seeing a provider at a later date.

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Specializes in Peds, PACU, ICU, ER, OB, MED-Surg,.

You did fine. You offered your help and it was refused. This will not be the last time. It is as if you have a big red RN painted on your chest after you graduate. You will have to field multiple phone calls from family you never even met and learn intimate details about their life you would rather not know... Enjoy nursing school because it will be the last break you ever get! LMAO

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Thanks guys. I shortened the story quite a bit, she was pretty serious when she (stumbled in). I was surprised at how quickly she recovered. Once again, thanks!

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I just left the coffee shop and a woman came in unable to breathe and sweating heavily. She needed a glass if cold water. My first thought was that she was overheated. We asked her if we could call the paramedics and she said no, that she knew what was wrong

Firstly, if she could talk to you then she was able to breathe. You did all that you could and all that you should. The rest is totally up to her.

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