I had a patient that was admitted Saturday evening about an hour before shift change. He came to the floor fromt he ER about 1800. He was admitted with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and supposed GI bleed. He was NPO. He had stated he had coffee ground emesis at home so they dropped an NG tube in the ER and only got out "green stomach contents" according to the ER nurse. So they pulled the NGT. When he came up to me he was in a lot of pain and extremely nauseous, but no vomiting. We medicated him and then I left. I had the same patient yesterday. He went down for an abdominal US and an upper GI with small bowel follow through. All day he complained of nausea and pain. His belly was distended and firm. He also kept asking to eat. I kept explaining to him and his wife that he was NPO and couldn't eat anything.
At about 1700 yesterday I was going in to check my IV's and his curtain was closed. When I opened the curtain he hurried to shove something behind his back. I realized he had a bag of chips and next to him a sandwich! I asked if he was eating and he hung his head down and said "yes, I am, I'm sorry" I just told him that there was a reason he was Not allowed to eat and that if he wanted to be non compliant that was his business and we can't force him. Sitting next to him was some other lady, who I assume brought in the food because it was food we can't get in our cafeteria. He quickly introduced me as his friend "the attorney" and that her sister was a "medical Dr" HMPH!
I wanted to tell him that when he starts vomiting again not to bother calling me for anymore zofran!
How do you handle things like this? I am still in my 1st year of nursing and this weekend was a HUGE lists of FIRSTS for me.
First patient fall (mom in bathroom with the 22 year old patient, she tripped over her own foot as stated by her) First patient to pass out on me, literally in my arms in the bathroom and now my first patient to go against the rules (That I know of at least! LOL!)
