Rehab pts, cabulances, and toileting

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

The patient (my mom) is a 2 person and hoyer lift transfer. She must go to a neurology appointment 2.5 to 3 hours away.

We have hired a cabulance for the travel. However, at some point mom will have to pee I am sure. She has never worn briefs. This is a disability that came on very suddenly and unexpectedly.

My question to you all is whether it would be better to have a foley put in or use briefs? There is no "equipment" at the university clinic she is going to.

She HAS to go to this appointment as there is still much uncertainty about her diagnosis and the neurologist is a movement disorder specialist.

I am a nurse, but have never been an acute or SNF nurse. I would just like some guidance about what you would advise if she was your patient in this situation.

Not asking for any medical advice. Just how to handle toileting needs for the long trip there and back.

Thank you.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

What is her assist and toileting procedure at home?

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Specializes in LTC.

Is she A/O? If so, I would ask her her preference. A Foley would provide more dignity than having to be incontinent into a brief. However, an unnecessary Foley would increase the chance of infection.

I would discuss options with her and educate on potential issues and allow her to decide.

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Briefs. Who is going to put in the foley? I don't think the cabulance drivers will. I assume you don't have much experience with Foley's. Even if you could find someone to place a foley then you might end up adding a urinary tract infection to all her other problems!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Briefs are really her only option from where I am sitting.

I am thinking good thoughts for her and for you as you guys negotiate these new waters. I am sure this is a very hard day for all of you.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Difficult situation to be in, Crunch. You have my empathy.

I have to agree with not.done.yet. from both professional and personal experiences. Adult diapers seem undignified at first, but both of my family members who had to use them adapted in no time at all.

The very best to you.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

My apologies. I should have been more clear.

She will be going from the rehab facility to the appointment. She is confused, but also knows what is happening to her and knows people. She is drowsy and spacey, but I am certain she will know what is happening and be horrified.

I just can't decide which is kinder. Infection can be dealt with, but could also worsen her condition. On the other hand if she realizes she is wearing briefs and is told to "pee in them" I think she will decide in her mind that she is done. If she isn't spaced out.

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How about they straight cath prior to her leaving? Or a foley for the day ?Good Luck

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

So, what is her assist and toileting procedure at the rehab facility?

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
What is her assist and toileting procedure at home?

She stated in the original post that she is a two person with hoyer lift transfer. Not possible in an ambulance.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I would discuss it with her provider -- the SNF nurse would need an order to place a Foley anyway.

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I would discuss it with her provider -- the SNF nurse would need an order to place a Foley anyway.

Correct. The decision is not up the the nurse in any way.

A provider has to write a foley order, and the pt has to agree.

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