when do you draw the line with a patient?

[johnson0424]

when a patient is being mean and rude to you when you have not done anything wrong when do you draw the line and walk away without it being neglect?

[leslie :-D]

it's called limit-setting. you simply tell the pt. the behaviors you find inappropriate and you will be glad to help them when they can address you in a more civil manner. it might be a good idea to r/o pain, constipation, loneliness/depression, etc. when/if they've settled down, you might want to arrange a psyche consult or ask them if there's anyone they'd like to talk to.

leslie

[cursenurse]

it's called limit-setting. you simply tell the pt. the behaviors you find inappropriate and you will be glad to help them when they can address you in a more civil manner. it might be a good idea to r/o pain, constipation, loneliness/depression, etc. when/if they've settled down, you might want to arrange a psyche consult or ask them if there's anyone they'd like to talk to.

leslie

i totally agree with this. mainly what i do is try to see if there is an underlying reason why this person is behaving badly- pain, fear, are common. often however the underlying reason is that the pt is just a jerk probably secondary to a poor upbringing, and that's when i get firm with them and set limits.

[hollyster]

i totally agree with this. mainly what i do is try to see if there is an underlying reason why this person is behaving badly- pain, fear, are common. often however the underlying reason is that the pt is just a jerk probably secondary to a poor upbringing, and that's when i get firm with them and set limits.

Agree with Earle and Cursenurse. Assess if no reason other then generally nastiness I let them know I will not feed into their dysfunction. Then notify MD(9 times out 10 they already know) and document everything.