finally had a patient i could almost not tolerate.

pickledpepperRN · Apr 17, 2003

I am not an OB nurse. Once I was floated so insisted an experienced L&D RN be my resource.

This lady would stand up in bed cursing and yelling for pain medication while her husband begged, "Help her give her something for pain!"

Between contractions she and her husband instructed me not to give anything regardless of what they said. Also she asked for food and said I was trying to starve her and her baby.

PRN IV narcotics were ordered as was a clear liquid diet.

I was there 8 hours as contractions got closer together. 8 hours of crying, moaning, and they were LOUD!

Karen, the charge nurses did her assessment and monitored labor because I am not trained or experienced in L&D. She managed to reassure me that all was going well physically at least.

The next night I saw their beautiful little boy. Amazingly I was introduced to a grandmother as, "The nurse who helped me in the most wonderful natural childbirth."

allnurses Guide · Apr 17, 2003

Ok Mark . . I spoke too soon. I have the pp mom from heck this morning. Really angry at nurses for answering the questions she has about breastfeeding. She decided to supplement with a bottle "my baby is not getting enough to eat because she still wants to suck after feeding". I explained the suck reflex may not have anything to do with being hungry. I explained the physiology of breastmilk. I was kind and didn't push her to do anything she didn't want. She burst out in anger and walked out to smoke. Her husband told me he really wants her to bf . . . I think he is pressuring her. But she is now saying that all the staff is attacking her. Cesarean yesterday . . but wants to go home. I think we may let her!! :-)

Rissi-Roo · Apr 17, 2003

WOW!!! She needed to get a GRIP!!!! First off ... I really don't think acting like that is EVER appropiate (unless someone is murdering you) but for EIGHT hours!!! I DOUBT HIGHLY that she was in THAT much pain for EIGHT hours..... I mean I have seen people go devilish like That (never that bad) at the end but never for 8 hours.. I think a psyc consult was called for. My heart goes out to you . I have a high tolerance for people and the way they act in labor but that would have just sent me to the looney bin.... God bless you for putting up with her (really .... I think God plans it out for he pt's you can handle (b'c someone else would kill them) to come in when you are on .)... I have noticed this in my own practice that some days I think "boy was she lucky I was her nurse..... so and so would have walked out of the room"..... I read something about that pain thing too..... That some people require more anethesia that others .... I think it said that the pain receptors are hyperactive in some people and redheads were among that group. I read it in my local paper (it was a national study however) about 2 months ago.... I don't think there is the slightest cause to be offended....

mark_LD_RN · Apr 19, 2003

actually pain was not the thing that triggered it,she had an epidural and was still like this, by the way she was off her paxil and other meds while pregnant,she was afraid they would affect the baby:)

kimmicoobug · Apr 19, 2003

:) . Mark, is this the end of your lucky streak?

mark_LD_RN · Apr 19, 2003

Kimmicoobug-- I hope not:) i look at it more like just a bump in the road. tonight is a much better night:)

JillyT · Apr 19, 2003

Redheads and pain

FYI

tattooednursie, LVN · Apr 19, 2003

I have had rowdy pt's, not OB pt's, but LTC patients. On a full moon, it is like HELL. When I went into this career, I pictured sweet little old lady's, and kind gentlemen. UMMM NOT! Most are sweet, but you get the occasional fit thrower. Tonight has been one of them nights for me too!

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 19, 2003

Originally posted by Furball
Was she a redhead?

I am sorry, but I will say it anyhow: that was quite uncalled for. really. thought this was gonna be a new, kinder board. guess not.

OH yea, mark, yes--- i have had patients like this one. you remind me of one NASTY sniping dirty lady some years back.... I remember her as a nasty, foul-mouthed g8p7 spitting and having hissies riight and left. And, you would think after 7 babies, she would "get it". All she had to do was grunt and her kids would fly out. Really.

Anyhow, when she got particularly abusive, dr took off his gown and walked out---- as baby was crowning cause she kicked him in head. He said" I will be back, young lady, when you have more control over yourself, til then you are on on your own." And he turned on his heel and walked out of the OB unit. Hmmmmmmm....changed her tune real quick. (she WAS NOT A REDHEAD by the way, lol) she became a very cooperative lady once the dr showed her he was not gonna take her abuse. I applauded him.

Furball, et al, one more thing---- In case you did not know (and you mostly do, lol)---- I AM A REDHEAD and YES I am told we do bleed more (it would seem) and feel pain more intensely (so I am told by NON redheads). I admit, I do seem to need more pain meds than many others when having surgery and csection babies, and I do bleed more, I am told, also than average. Like anything, instead of making an off-the-cuff generalization like that, and running with it, really---- If you want to know, ask one, we can tell you what we feel like, just like anyone else. I am outa here.

Hardknox · Apr 19, 2003

Jilly T--thanks for the link on redhead's and pain. Never noticed that........

Sable's mom · Apr 20, 2003

Mark,

Yes, I've had pts like that - been in OB >20 years - seen most every type of behavior in labor - and a lot when there was no labor!!!

Isn't OB great?

Also, thanks for the redhead link - as one of the "feared minority" I was told of this study by my orthopod prior to shoulder OR - he doubled my post op analgesia - and he said that only for redheads did he order a type and screen before routine ortho surgery. Ain't red hair grand? :eek:

ShelleyERgirl, LPN · Apr 20, 2003

Oh boy, you gotta love OB! I worked L&D for six fun filled months when I was in the Navy and we had this one patient who was G4 who got really ticked off, grabbed her husband by the crotch, ripped her IV out and said "if you ever touch me again, I'll rip these things off for you"! This was after she pushed me away while trying to adjust her straps for the fetal heart monitor. Unlike some of these other posts she was definitely NOT little mother sunshine after delivery either, she was still the she witch from hell:devil: