light headed when wearing a particulate respirator

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i recently had a patient with tb. most of the time when i have these patients, i minimize my time in the room, taking breaks, grouping care, etc. this particular patient needed more care, so i was in the room at one point for probably twenty minutes. when i was finished helping him, i went to the sink to wash my hands. while standing there, i got very light headed and almost fell on the floor! i went out of the room quickly and took off the mask. even though i felt slightly light headed for a little while later, it went away completely pretty shortly. i'm almost positive that wearing the mask for so long was the culprit..

any tips on when i am in situations like this again besides taking frequent breaks from the room? does this happen to anyone else? thanks in advance!

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I have no tips but that happen to me too while doing a maternity rotation and I was present for the c-section. The c-section didnt bother me.I actually was amazed at what nice icision and suturing that the physician did it was so clean doubt she will have much of a scar after. However the mask made me dizzy. I thought I was OR material b/c I loved watching the surgeries and could endure the gore. However I cant tolerate a mask for long periods of time. Do not know what can be done for that. I figured it was just particular to me. So no OR for me.

Angela

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It happens to me too. I wish I had some advice. It will keep me out of the OR, as well. :(

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

what kind of mask was it? there are a couple that can be used for tb precautions.

jess

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic Transplant Telemetry.

I know that when I have to wear a mask that I get slightly claustrophobic and tend to hyperventilate. It doesn't help that I get so hot when I am in the mask and gown and all! I have to consciously remind myself to slow down my breathing.

Next time you are in a room with an iso patient pay attention to your own respirations. It could be that you are doing the same thing.

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Specializes in Ortho, Case Management, blabla.

Have you ever been properly fitted for a particulate respirator?

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yes... :)

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