What do you say?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

So here's the scenario, I was taking care of a patient where he needed to be exposed.

Someone (anyone) knocks and wants to enter the room.

This seems like a simple question but what do I say?

I mean, with regards to keeping my patient's privacy, I don't really want to shout "I'm administering an enema, hold on!" or "One second, I'm digitally removing feces"

When I did my CNA rotation long time ago, the CNAs would just shout "Resident care" and it was a code for all of the staff that it means that the resident is in an exposed situation.

For me, I'm just looking for a better way to keep my patient's privacy.

"Please, wait a few minutes" should suffice. Or "Don't come in."

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I would say I'm busy with patient care (or just busy period) & to please come back later.

I guess I'll just go with "Don't come in"

"Patient care! Please give us a moment! Thanks!"

Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

I just say, "privacy is needed". With that said I have learned a few lessons along the way. I still hold the right to peek in if I get a weird vibe since it is my duty to ultimately protect. Unfortunately, some caregivers do take advantage of patients and I have encountered one such man who was molesting male patients while doing their preoperative groin preps. He got assertive if you knocked on the shut door but the good and kind nurses were protecting their patient's privacy. I do not dismiss it if I get a feeling to check in and make no apologies for doing so,although I will do it in a respectful manner!

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