Is it illegal to place a towel over a patient's face?

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Protect from spitting, is it illegal to place a towel over a patient face to protect from spit

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Are you asking if it's ok to cover a patient's entire face to keep his/her from spitting at you? How do you plan to affix this towel so you don't suffocate him?

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Why not just use a surgical mask?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Protect from spitting, is it illegal to place a towel over a patient face to protect from spit

Yes it is. It's abuse and high risk for suffocation. Doing so risks your nursing license and subjects you to criminal charges. A surgical mask would be acceptable.

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Why ya spitting on the patient?

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Specializes in Telemetry.
Why ya spitting on the patient?

Some people can't help but spit when they talk. :p

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I don't understand why you named this thread "RN." It would be nice if you address the subject of the thread in the title.

Secondly, is this question for real? You actually want to know if it's ever okay to cover a patient's face with a towel?! I'm thinking you actually DO know that the answer to that is NO.

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Some people can't help but spit when they talk. :p

Sufferin' Succotash!

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Specializes in Oncology (OCN).
Why ya spitting on the patient?

Speaking of spit...this nearly made me spit my Diet Coke all over the screen! Lol! I love your sense of humor, Farawyn!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Secondly, is this question for real? You actually want to know if it's ever okay to cover a patient's face with a towel?! I'm thinking you actually DO know that the answer to that is NO.

A long time ago I worked as a booking clerk at the county jail. The deputies would cover coughing or spitting inmates with towels (it wasn't affixed, just draped over the person's head).

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Specializes in Acute Care Pediatrics.

I find just putting a plastic bag over their head is much more effective.

:Jason:

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A long time ago I worked as a booking clerk at the county jail. The deputies would cover coughing or spitting inmates with towels (it wasn't affixed, just draped over the person's head).

I've had fantasies of covering a patient's face with a pillow, but never a towel!

And I'm joking, JOKING about the fantasy. Mostly.

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