Ms. Jekyll or Ms. Hyde, what will it be this time?

caliotter3 · Nov 25, 2007

They can keep us going in so many directions that after awhile we start acting like the person with dementia!

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2007

They can keep us going in so many directions that after awhile we start acting like the person with dementia!

Now that's just way to scary to contemplate! That's why I could never do Psyche...with my amenable personality, I'd be talking to myself in my room alone. But wait! I already do that!@

Shantas · Nov 25, 2007

I know you've had the patient that will see you the nurse in one light at one time and another at another time. How peculiar is that!?
Patient: Don't tell me you are a nurse!?
Nurse: Yes, and I am here to do your assessment, Ms. Jekyll.
Patient: Are you a registered nurse?
Nurse: Yes, are you having pain?!
Patient: Why would you need to know that?! (Stern, giving me a scowl and a look of suspicion.)
I know its possibly dementia related. What? She's in her 80s but don't let her contankerous attitude fool you; it can change on a dime! Next night, chapter II:
Nurse: Hi Ms Hyde! Did your day go well?
Patient: (Big smile) Yes, a lot of family here visiting. I think you are my favorite nurse; you really are kind and know how to help me get through the night! Grandson, did you meet my sweet nurse yet?
Oh well, can't please everybody all of the time LOL

lol:lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

When my Alzhimers pt start telling me they need to feed the cows, cats or dog, or they simply ask me where is their mom...I just go along with them and tell them the cows, dogs or the cats are already fed, and now resting and their mom will be coming to hospital soon to visit them....that seem to keep them happy:D

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2007

lol:lol2::lol2:
When my Alzhimers pt start telling me they need to feed the cows, cats or dog, or they simply ask me where is their mom...I just go along with them and tell them the cows, dogs or the cats are already fed, and now resting and their mom will be coming to hospital soon to visit them....that seem to keep them happy:D

Keep them happy at all costs, keep them happy! I will always use humor, use comforting words, use comforting actions (a warm blanket), use big smiles...Keep them happy...tell them little white lies! Really, I want my shift to go well. And I'm not there to make them face the fact of their losing their minds, what good is that?!

Shantas · Nov 25, 2007

Keep them happy at all costs, keep them happy! I will always use humor, use comforting words, use comforting actions (a warm blanket), use big smiles...Keep them happy...tell them little white lies! Really, I want my shift to go well. And I'm not there to make them face the fact of their losing their minds, what good is that?!

They dont remember it anyway....it just agitate them more....in the mean time your day becomes a hell day....I worked in Psych unit with dementia patients who are not only forgetfull and confused but also aggressive....just so that I do not loose my sanity I go along with them all day long...who wants to get beaten up anyway:D

chocokitten · Nov 25, 2007

lol:lol2::lol2:
When my Alzhimers pt start telling me they need to feed the cows, cats or dog, or they simply ask me where is their mom...I just go along with them and tell them the cows, dogs or the cats are already fed, and now resting and their mom will be coming to hospital soon to visit them....that seem to keep them happy:D

yeah, I had a patient that always asked for her husband and I would say "He's at the hardware store" she accepted this with no issues. Her husband suggested this, apparently he spent a lot of time at the "hardware store" throughout their marriage :uhoh21:

jmking · Nov 25, 2007

I work in psych.. and this happens alot. With some patient you can redirect, some you cannot. I have one client that has her "off" days. She is happy to see me one moment and taken her pills all the time. The time I work, I'm the "evil pill pusher, trying to put her in a coma."

Becca608 · Nov 26, 2007

yeah, I had a patient that always asked for her husband and I would say "He's at the hardware store" she accepted this with no issues. Her husband suggested this, apparently he spent a lot of time at the "hardware store" throughout their marriage :uhoh21:

Bless her heart! :lol2:

purple_rose_3 · Nov 26, 2007

I love it when a 90 something patient asks me about their mom or dad. No way I'm going to break the news to them, that on most cases no, they aren't coming in to see you! Makes me chuckle though, cause your never to old to need your momma!

chocokitten · Nov 26, 2007

I love it when a 90 something patient asks me about their mom or dad. No way I'm going to break the news to them, that on most cases no, they aren't coming in to see you! Makes me chuckle though, cause your never to old to need your momma!

Funny story... a nurse on my floor once took car of an 80 year old (slightly confused) gent that wanted to talk to his mom

She told him that his mother was dead and he cried and cried and was quite distressed.

The next day his family arrives.... with 90 something year old (lucid) mother in tow X_x

Open mouth insert foot anyone?

Becca608 · Nov 26, 2007

Funny story... a nurse on my floor once took car of an 80 year old (slightly confused) gent that wanted to talk to his mom
She told him that his mother was dead and he cried and cried and was quite distressed.
The next day his family arrives.... with 90 something year old (lucid) mother in tow X_x
Open mouth insert foot anyone?

These days you never know!!!! There are some families out there with great genes!