Calling briefs "diapers"....*vent*

Nurses General Nursing

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This has to be one of my BIGGEST pet peeves, from way back when I was a CNA. Maybe *technically* they are diapers, but COME ON....how disprespectful can you get? I call them Depends or briefs, it at least maintains SOME dignity for the patient. Especially if they are post op, say, and are having trouble controlling their bowels as function returns to normal, and they've never had to wear them before. It's rude and demeaning.

I read an LPN's narrative charting a few weeks ago, where she actually WROTE the term "diaper." Now it's in that person's chart for all eternity. Great. Aside from the fact that it isn't something that even needs to be PUT in the narrative notes (this LPN is notorious for that, though, but that's a whole other story).

Just had to get that out.

The easiest solution to this problem is to find out what the resident/patient calls the item and take it from there.

I would venture to guess that diaper would invite more objection than any of the other terms. Brief may not be understood by some. Underwear seems a good alternative.

It isn't a matter of political correctness (which I dislike intensely) to use a term that doesn't bug the person wearing the time. It's common courtesy.

Specializes in CVICU, CCU, Heart Transplant.
A rose by any other name....

...What happened to honesty? Have we as medical professionals become so afraid of the 'Customer Service/ Hotel Restaurant industry' culture we can not call things as they are?...

It's not about customer service-- it's about a persons dignity, & trying to maintain it.

didn't read the responses. but here's my take..

I remember being a new grad and being uncomfortable with the word diaper. then i saw in the computer to order them, it reads, "Small Diapers" or "Large Diapers." hmm ok. then i talked to the patients, and they called them diapers. So, i guess they are diapers. Whatever the culture is on the unit, i just go by that. ps. i work in acute care, not ltc.

In CNA class, we weren't allowed to say "diaper" or "bib". It was brief and clothing protector. Now, I work in an ALF and we have gotten into the habit of calling them "pull ups".

Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.
It's not about customer service-- it's about a persons dignity, & trying to maintain it.

Yes. I am a strong opponent of the new "Hotel Service" mentality that has polluted the medical field, but I don't this falls under that category.

These are adults who have been independent, self efficient and hard working their entire lives. Now, fast forward to today where something has gone wrong or age is catching up to them and they are incontinent. All of a sudden they are wearing baby clothes? No. Its is a brief (underwear, pad...........) for adults with a medical problem.

Specializes in PACU, LTC, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Psych.
It's not about customer service-- it's about a persons dignity, & trying to maintain it.

Is not being treated with dignity being the right to be told the truth? Or must we have master's and doctorate to do so appropriately?

If you call it another name, in time, this name will be associated with that. There seems a lot of this 'name it something else' happening lately.

What is so wrong with admitting you cannot control your urine/bowels?

The truth does not mean being a rude jerk, either.

Hmm, I wonder if I'm being disrespectful or not...I call them "pants". As in "We're going to reposition you and check your pants" or "We're just going to change your pants really quick here" etc etc. Most patients don't recognize the term "briefs" where I work (acute medical), but I personally dislike the term diapers, so pants has become my default.

Specializes in private duty/home health, med/surg.

I have come across patients or families that call them "diapers" or "pampers." If that's the term they prefer I go with it.

Is not being treated with dignity being the right to be told the truth?

There's truth and then there's "truth." Meaning that you can say something that's technically accurate but still less than considerate.

I get a little irritated when we can't say a patient died and instead have to use euphemisms like "passed on" or "is no longer with us." But to insist on using diaper when other less infantilizing options are readily available seems the opposite problem. Being blunt for blunt's sake is just not necessary.

BTW, this is subject to the wishes of the patient/resident. If they want to call it a diaper, call it a diaper.

The one that really gets me it "potty." I just cringe when the CNAs "potty" everyone before supper or when they ask the residents if they need to go "potty."

I was taught to "toilet" the residents before supper and to ask them if they need to use the restroom (or the bathroom).

Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

For A&O but incontinent patients I use the term "disposable" or "throw-away" underwear, for the not so A&O I use the term "underpants"

I have come across patients or families that call them "diapers" or "pampers." If that's the term they prefer I go with it.

Pampers? Geez.:uhoh3:

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