Did I Do the Right Thing?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm a nursing student, and as such I find I get a few phone calls from friends or family asking me for medical advice. I politely remind them that I can't give medical advice and encourage them to call their Healthcare Provider.

Today I recieved a phone call from a friend, who was having a nervous breakdown. She was upset over a situation and had said she couldn't walk, and told me she could not take care of her children, as well as inconsolible and wasn't making sense through most of the conversation. She told me she had taken a double dose of her Xanax and said it had no effect. She is on multiple medications for Fibromyalgia and takes Adderall. She was looking for a psychiatrist or psychologist, but as it was late didn't think she could get a hold of one. I found the name of a psychiatrist. I then found the number of a local Psych hospital that had a number to call if you were concerend about someone or yourself. I gave her that number and picked her kids up to bring to my house. I guess my question is if I did the right thing? What would have you done if you were in the situation (not looking for medical advice)?

All coments are welcome. Thanks!!

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

I think you did a good thing. If your friend was really having a hard time coping, taking her kids for awhile has to relieve some pressure for sure.

Giving her some psychiatric resources was right on target. The only other thing that I may have done is asked if she had any thoughts of/plans for self harm or suicide. If that was the case, would have taken her to the ED.

If patient literally couldn't walk (I'm assuming she could, but was having pain with her fibromyalgia and was being upset/dramatic/whatever you want to call it) that would have required an ED visit as well, especially if acute.

Would keep substance abuse in the back of your mind with the Xanax self-medication/dosing, etc. This might be more of a concern than all of the above, who knows.

Sometimes what is really going on with friends is nearly impossible to figure out, especially if they are embarrassed with what is happening to them. She may have been reaching out to you for help but didn't want to tell you the real deal. Being supportive and non-judgmental is really important...looks like you were that way.

You get an "A" from me.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

Of course you did the right thing. You were a good friend and a good nurse.

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Specializes in Mental Health.

I think you did great. You made your first referral.. you're ahead of the curve. :)

I agree with the last poster.. you're a good friend and will be a great nurse!

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Thank you all very much!

Thank you for the ED advice. I was unsure whether to offer that, just because I wasn't sure how serious it was, or if she would have to wait forever there. I thought at the least the Psychiatric hospital could lead her in the right direction, even if they couldn't help.

:)

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Sounds like you did fine. =) As an aside, WAS your friend actually able to walk? Or was she just so distressed that it was HARD for her to get up and walk?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
Thank you all very much!

Thank you for the ED advice. I was unsure whether to offer that, just because I wasn't sure how serious it was, or if she would have to wait forever there. I thought at the least the Psychiatric hospital could lead her in the right direction, even if they couldn't help.

:)

You did the right thing, and at least at my hospital ED, pts who are have psychological issues/ thoughts of self harm get right back, we will make room to make sure that they stay safe. If there is not yet a bed available they are always within sight of a RN

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

Wish I had wonderful friends like you here where I am!

I was working in psych not long ago, we got many patients presenting with all kinds of problems. Next time I would actually go get her and take her to a psych facility, as sometimes people are suicidal, and won't tell you, but she was displaying her own 'help me I may be suicidal' cry for help. It was great you took her kids, they would have been extremely worried.

I remember my own Mum when I was younger, struggling with mental health problems and depression, and no-one ever took her to a hospital or got her admitted. I wonder if she had been, if she would have been a different person today.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Five thumbs up! (what a good friend you are!) I'd just add this, but you already know- find out if they are contemplating harm to themselves or others. One of my mentors from long ago took her own life. Nobody had taken her threats seriously. :crying2: I still cry every time I think of her and it happened in 1996.

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Thank you so much! I wanted to ask her about the harming herself, but I felt a little uncomfortable about that. I'm sure with more experience I will have no problem with it. I got there as soon as I could, and when I got there her husband had just gotten home. I took the kids and let them decide what would be best for her. I was planning on staying and taking her myself if no one was there.

She was able to walk but hadn't taken care of herself all day as well as the kids.

I did have the substance abuse on my mind, given that she doubled dosed her Xanax, on top of the pain meds and antidepressant for her Fibromyalgia, along with the Adderall.

Nursel56: I am sorry to hear about your mentor. I too expereinced a loss of a family friend by unexpected suicide, after no one took her talk seriously. My heart goes out to you and all who have lost someone close to them in this manner.

Carolmaccas66: I am also sorry to hear about your mom. My brother is Bipolar and his disease was not handled properly as well. We lived in a rural town in the middle of nowhere and the Dr. wasn't too familiar witih Psychiatrucs. I too often wonder if things would have turned out different, had he had the right kind of help. Things sure have changed though huh?

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Sounds to me like you did the right thing. Hopefully she made that phone call. Your concern is admirable and probably prevented subsequent hi-risk behaviors. Compassion for others is so lacking and you deserve alot of praise for your actions on her behalf.:redpinkhe

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Thanks, sweet b. Often the question is asked because if they answer yes, or the person evaluating them, such as a triage nurse or a police officer has reason to believe it, they will (in my state) be placed on a mandatory 3-day hold for a psych eval.

Those medications, especially when mixed, can cause some pretty strange and potentially severe side effects. I hope she uses your help wisely and turns things around for herself and her family. :)

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