Doing an "Over the phone assessment"

[julz68]

I am a brand new nurse who has a daughter in college over two hours away. She called me tonight to tell me she has a sharp pain under her left breast that radiates to her back under her shoulder blade. She says her ribs are bruised do to a fall a few days prior. So I'm thinking maybe cracked ribs? But then she tells me she's also been sick with a sore throat, cough and congestion. It hurts more when she coughs, sneezes or laughs, and even breathing deeply. So then I'm thinking pleurisy? Or could it be a combination? I told her to take ibuprofen for the pain and to come back home tomorrow so we could get her in to see the Dr. I just feel awful that she's in so much pain and so far away. I can't do an assessment over the phone and I feel helpless. Should I have told her to go to ER instead? Could it be something more serious because she did have a hard fall? I just don't know if I told her the right thing. Her boyfriend would be driving her home tomorrow as he goes to the same university. What is your opinion on this? Thanks...

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Unfortunately we can't give medical advice and per the Terms of Service. I would be concerned about her fall, how did she fall and what hurt after the fall.....If it was my daughter and If it is really bothering her I would personally have her go to the ED just to ease my own mind.

Like I said we can't give any advice as per the TOS.....

Medical Advice:

ALLNURSES.COM, INC or it's members do not offer medical advice. Any requests for such will be taken down. If you have a medical problem, please seek attention from your health care provider. You are not allowed to ask for medical advice related to a health situation that affects you, a family member, or someone you know.

But if I can't see my kid.......I'd have her go to the ER......the fall would be my concern and injury caused by the fall.......Like fractured ribs etc.

I'm sending prayers for your daughter to feel better.

Thread closed.