Hand pain from opening medication wrappers??

mustangsheba · Nov 29, 2000

EJB: I believe you're right on here! My problems are mostly related to skin soreness from opening all the packages, some of which are extremely difficult to open. And all of them are different. I know it is safer for the patients. We will need to come up with an opener that's user friendly and fast. Everyone I've worked with has complained, but you are the one who is addressing this problem. Thank you. Anybody out there have an idea?

hollykate · Nov 29, 2000

We no longer get unit dose- because of the zippy new pyxis that we got (Brand new system this year, finger print code, it tells you the exact dose for the pt: ie the machine says: Take Two tablets from the drawer, or whatever)

I have never been able to get those wrappers open (and the foil off the suppositories still gives me heck) I used a small pair of scissors- I don't know if that low tech answer will work for you- some nurses carry them on their person anyways.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2000

I HATE those wrappers! We are getting a PIXIS (eventually they tell us) but don't have one yet. I've been known to just shove my pen through the back wrapper (yes, avoiding the pill) or at least slide the pen around the edges to slice the darn thing open.

PPL, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2000

Exactly! Not only hand and wrist pain, but psychic pain! I'm just waiting for the psychiatric diagnosis to appear; maybe something like SDS; SHRINKWRAP DYSPHORIC SYNDROME?

timonrn · Nov 29, 2000

...AND how many times has this happened-you struggle and struggle w/ a wrapper in front of the pt., only to have it open and the pill fly out onto the floor!! Ducolox stool softeners are famous for this!!

Jay-Jay, RN · Dec 7, 2000

I haven't had that much trouble with med wrappers, except for the pills occasionally becoming airborn on me ( I call this the "reverse mousetrap" packaging, when it happens!) However, I sure have had problems with those plastic syringe containers! One night I was on a surgical unit, where EVERYONE was needing injections for pain, plus numerous antibiotics, which had to be reconstituted, then transferred to the minibag. By the end of my shift, I had to ask another RN to crack a couple of syringe containers for me - I just couldn't do it anymore! My hand was so sore, I wonder if anyone was able to read my charting for the final part of that shift! I also butchered my thumb on a glass ampoule, which sure didn't help matters!

BTW

Me? I solved the problem by purchasing my very own mortar and pestle! I thought it looked A LOT more professional! )

ktwlpn, LPN · Dec 12, 2000

Originally posted by timonrn:
...AND how many times has this happened-you struggle and struggle w/ a wrapper in front of the pt., only to have it open and the pill fly out onto the floor!! Ducolox stool softeners are famous for this!!

Ops! Then you just say "Oh-I will be right back"-proceed thru the door and down the hall a few feet-count to 10 and go back in and say"Here is another one for you"

I always open all my meds at the cart but I can't tell you how many times I have lost a pill only to find it later either in a pocket or once-down my cleavage.