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Fingernails: this patient was on a 1:1 and multiple medications. However, the patient succeeded in causing multiple infected wounds by persistent scratching. Apparently she figured out how to use friction. She had been working in healthcare for a while, and she successfully caused herself to get systematic MRSA.
An older women was admitted for new onset delirium and tried to strangle me with her Jobst hose. She was only about 90 pounds soaking wet, but she had the strength of Hercules and those hose are super tough with little stretch.
We also have had to move the code carts with the monitor/ defibrillator into the med room, because we had a bad incident where a patient, who claimed to be a member of the Justice League was using his super powers and the defibrillator paddles to deflect bullets and ward off wifi mind reading. It was both a safety and cost issue...when security tackled him, they accidentally ripped some wires.
I work in recovery where residents live in their own unit in a complex (one unit in the centre is the office). We have people who do become quite unwell and have access to a range of things to self harm (or attempt suicide). Although we take all knives/scissors etc we had one resident buying razor blades online and delivered directly to her. Another resident drank Ajax Spray'n'Wipe because she felt 'dirty inside'. We have a very fine balance of keeping people safe but allowing them to have control over their environment.
sarabellum1
54 Posts
What are some everyday items/materials your patients have used to hurt themselves, other patients, or staff?
I'm doing an in-service soon on the importance of patient and environmental safety checks in inpatient mental health facilities. I need your input, experiences, and stories! We all know how creative patients can be!
Thanks!