How do you explain decel situation to pts?

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Just curious... what do you say to your patients so they don't panic when they have something ugly happening on their strip and you have to give 02/turn/bolus?

Specializes in NA, Stepdown, L&D, Trauma ICU, ER.
Quite frankly I do what I need to do and explain as I go. I am polite but firm. I think the patients while I remain calm can sense that there is a diffrence between pick a side to turn to ( in general conversation) and I need you to roll to your side now. I say it matter of fact baby is n ot "happy" right now heart rate is a bit down, nothing to worry about but I want a perfect baby. I also explain that decels are like treading water and then being held under water for a period of time. A decel in and of itself is not a big deal. What is, is if they happen frequently and for a long period of time. I explain if your hold your breath for a minute under water you'll be tired, sputter water for a while but you'll be find. Now if someone is constantly holding you under water only giving you a minute or two to catch your breath (repetative decles) then you will eventually tire out and not be able to recover. I want to give baby a break. thats why I (intrauterine resecitation)

I usually say something similar, (as i'm strapping the mask on) the ctx are essentially making baby hold it's breath, and baby is now saying that he needs a lil more o2...i'm all about the happy babies, so i'm putting this mask on you so i can be the first one to spoil your child

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Specializes in many.

I love the imagery of the up and down in the pool. Will have to remember it later this week.

Also love the line about being the first to spoil the baby...:rotfl:

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