hospitals

[ttpurtee]

I have a question a friend of mine is in the hospital and has been diagnosed with chronic pancreaitis. Also the doctor has said that only two people are allowed in her hospital room and they have to be family members. Has anyone ever heard of doctors restricting how many people and what type of people are in a persons hospital room? If so, why do they do that?

Also, is chronic pancreaitis a life threatening illness?

Thanks in advance

[nursein2012]

Chronic pancreatitis can cause diabetes and even lead to pancreatic cancer. So yes, it could be potentially life threatening.

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

I have a question a friend of mine is in the hospital and has been diagnosed with chronic pancreaitis. Also the doctor has said that only two people are allowed in her hospital room and they have to be family members. Has anyone ever heard of doctors restricting how many people and what type of people are in a persons hospital room? If so, why do they do that?

Also, is chronic pancreaitis a life threatening illness?

Thanks in advance

Many times the number of visitors is limited in a hospital. The pt is in the hospital to get well, not entertain visitors. Chronic pancreatis can be life threatening.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

First consider that your friend is likely in a great deal of pain. Pancreatitis is a painful condition, and these patients need lots of rest and quiet. Send her cards or emails and let her know that you would love to be there to visit her, but you are respecting her privacy and you are following the doctor's orders. When she starts to improve, you will probably be allowed to see her for a short time.

[kcochrane]

It really depends on the situation. We allow open visitation. But we do also encourage less visitors depending on the patient's condition. Also, remember that a room can barely fit in two visitors at a time. If there is a roommate, usually they suffer with the noise, people taking chairs and spilling over on their side. Nurses and other health care personnel find it hard to gain access to the patient for vital signs and treatments. Yes, you would think family members would move when you bring in the vital sign machine, but many don't.

You will probably have to check that hospital's rules to know for sure since every hospital has its own rules.

I do agree too with the others. It is very painful and less visitors would be the best.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

The doctors usually have nothing to do with the visitors.

Most hospitals have visiting policies similar to this.

We don't have the "family members only" rule where I work, but I imagine some intensive care settings might.

[skipaway]

Maybe your friend requested the doctor to write this order b/c they don't want a lot of visitors and they don't want to be the ones to limit their friends. The doctor takes the hit for the patient.

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

Maybe your friend requested the doctor to write this order b/c they don't want a lot of visitors and they don't want to be the ones to limit their friends. The doctor takes the hit for the patient.

We do that for our home hospice pts sometimes. The family doesn't want to hurt any feelings, so we just blame it on the doc. We'll write the order and hang it on the door.

[kesr]

Just a thought - how about helping your friend by doing her home chores, feeding her family, running household errands, offering to do whatever the rest of her family needs. THAT is more helpful than visiting someone acutely ill. Especially after she gets home, she will probably have a lengthy convalesence. Too many people think a hospitalization requires a visit when the last thing a patient feels like doing is visiting with a steady parade of folks.