I have a patient with a pilonidal cust on her sacrum. It has gotten quite a bit larger since her admission due to her total non-compliance with treatments, diet, fluid restriction, and pressure relief. Yesterday, it was noted to have a swollen area around it and when she was examined by the doc, he noted excessive purulent drainage escaping the area upon application of pressure. He concluded that it was infected and he started her on ABT.
Today, this woman's husband, who is in his 40's comes in for a visit. He goes down the hallway to her room and after a few minutes I hear them arguing. His voice becomes louder and louder and then I hear him mumbling under his breath while he is walking toward me at the nurse's station. He says (I am quoting and if you are easily offended stop reading here!), 'What's going on with my wife's a**?' I say, 'Sir, why don't you discuss that with your wife once your mood has improved.' Now, his wife is wheeling down the hall toward me yelling at him to keep quiet. He then says 'My wife has a big hole in her a**, are you aware of this?' Keep in mind he is yelling...kind of bellowing. I tell him I am going to call my supervisor. He then yells 'I don't need the f***ing supervisor! My wife has a hole in her a**!! Am I supposed to f*** it?! Do you want me to put my d*** in it?!' I was FLABBERGASTED!! What is wrong with people! Now, I have him yelling like a moron, his wife crying, me standing there in shock and some other staff and residents right there with me listening to this crap!
In the end, I called the supervisor who appeased him as is done these days due to the 'customer is always right' attitude that now exists in healthcare. He told my supervisor that I told him to quiet down and that I wasn't going to tolerate his behavior. He told her that I asked him to leave (I did do all of the above) and later she tells me I shouldn't have said any of that. She told me he has a right to complain! WHAT?!?!?!?!? Yes, he has a right to complain, but I have rights too! So do the other residents! I sure wish things would turn around. Sometimes I feel that this profession is too much.
Thanks for listening, I feel a little better now...:)
