What was the MOST ridiculous thing a patient came to the ER for?

Specialties Emergency Nursing Q/A

And did you have to treat them?

I am just curious. Your stories always seem to either crack me up or shake my head in amazement.

Thanks for sharing ?

In my time in the OR I have seen a condom been removed from the bladder. Also had to remove an olive oil bottle from the rectum and a Coke litre bottle from the lady parts (pt was told it was an effective method of contraception???????)

I remember in eight grade, their was a young girl (maybe 12 or 13) who kept visiting the nurses office every morning. She was always nauseaus.

Well, the nurse finally asked her if she ever had sex. She then asked her when her last period was etc. Finally, in confirming her pregnancy, the girl's shocked reply was "I can't possibly be pregnant, we used saran wrap!"

The nurse wanted to know whose idea was it to use saran wrap. She said her boyfriend (also maybe 13 or 14) told her it was safe.

I am nor sure what eventually happened. But it was pretty sad. Not that it's an excuse, but it's more understandable when a young person is that naive. But when adults do these stupid things, you have to wonder....."

Specializes in NICU.
In my time in the OR I have seen a condom been removed from the bladder. Also had to remove an olive oil bottle from the rectum and a Coke litre bottle from the lady parts (pt was told it was an effective method of contraception???????)

Lol. I think your pt got confused w/the superstition that douching with Coke or Fanta worked as a spermicide. Well, if a little is good, a whole bottle must be better, right?

Also: ow. :uhoh21:

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.
and a Coke litre bottle from the lady parts (pt was told it was an effective method of contraception???????)

Wayell... yeah, if a Coke bottle's in there, you're not likely to get into the other kind of trouble...:rotfl:

Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Too much information for me

In my time in the OR I have seen a condom been removed from the bladder. Also had to remove an olive oil bottle from the rectum and a Coke litre bottle from the lady parts (pt was told it was an effective method of contraception???????)

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I think having a liter bottle of coke stuffed up your lady parts is a pretty effective birth control method!

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

Back in college, it was rumored that if you douched w/coke, it would kill those nasty sperm. You were supposed to shake the coke up, then....

Sure wouldn't want to rely on this, but in an emergency, well panic might make you do some pretty silly things.

and do you have to treat them?

I am just curious. Your stories always seem to either crack me up or shake my head in amazement.

Thanks for sharing :)

Mom came in with toe pain and she brought her 5 children with her. Oh by the way it was in the eye of hurricaine Frances last year.

Specializes in Emergency.

Yippie! After 3 days as an ER "nurse" I finally have something to add to this forum! :chuckle

So the most ridiculous thing I have seen in all my 3 days of nursing: a 20 yo male with complaints of feeling dizzy after smoking a cigarrette--dizziness no longer present. :uhoh3:

and do you have to treat them?

I am just curious. Your stories always seem to either crack me up or shake my head in amazement.

Thanks for sharing :)

Hey this is my first time on line so bare with me. I have worked as an RN for 15 years in many ER's. My understanding is that all patients are entitled to a medical screening exam regardless of their complaint or ability to pay. However I believe it is the University of Denver Med Center that is actually the only hospital in the country to actually ask for a partial payment for NON-Emergent problems. I believe they ask for a deposit of $200.00. Which apparently is reducing alot of non-emergent visits. This is not to say they can't be seen if they have no $$ Funny how things change when you actually have to pay for them. Anyways, I am not aware of the particulars but it might be worth looking into. Seems to work for Denver.

Hey this is my first time on line so bare with me. I have worked as an RN for 15 years in many ER's. My understanding is that all patients are entitled to a medical screening exam regardless of their complaint. However I believe it is the University of Denver Med Center that is actually the only hospital in the country to actually ask for payment for NON-Emergent problems. Which apparently is reducing alot of non-emergent visits. Funny how things change when you actually have to pay for them. Anyways, I am not aware of the particulars but it might be worth looking into. Seems to work for Denver.

What's considered non-emergent?

Z

Great question as usual each ER has their own policy. You might start with life/limb....ie., it can wait without harming the patient.

What's considered non-emergent?

Z

Specializes in NICU.
Great question as usual each ER has their own policy. You might start with life/limb....ie., it can wait without harming the patient.

My insurance company defines it as immediate threat to life or limb - basically, if you're not gonna die by the time your PCP can fit you in, don't go.

eta: that doesn't really help folks who use the ER as their PCP, I guess. Sorry, brain=fried from clinicals.

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