I had a student (14 years old) just leave my office. He got on the bus with a nosebleed and was waiting in my office when I arrived with administration saying he was feeling lightheaded. VS all stable (130/78, HR 85, resp 12, O2 98%) but says he feels dizzy and tired. I had him lie down for 20 minutes and he drank 1/2 the water I gave him.
I strongly feel that he is exaggerating his symptoms. I called home (with him in earshot) to let parents know and cover my bases. So he heard me let them know that all VS are good to go, ect, ect.
How would you handle this situation? And if he returned in an hour?
I know a trick that will cure ANY ailment. Tell them their parents are on on their way to pick them up!! Biggest medical discovery EVER!! Then when they ask to go get their backpack, tell them " oh my bad, I meant time to go back to class."
Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
I considered this, but he was quite dramatic about his nodding off and then jerking back to alertness. Over and over and over. He also comes in with obscure complaints on a semi regular basis.
You should stock a catheter and an IV for scare tactic purposes. "Well you know one of things we do for lightheadedness is to put this catheter in and it goes up you know what" or "looks like your gonna need an IV and I haven't practiced in forever, its a really big needle!". I bet any money that kid would be up and heading back in no time!
You should stock a catheter and an IV for scare tactic purposes. "Well you know one of things we do for lightheadedness is to put this catheter in and it goes up you know what" or "looks like your gonna need an IV and I haven't practiced in forever, its a really big needle!". I bet any money that kid would be up and heading back in no time!
We would be sued for mental trauma after that one!
You should stock a catheter and an IV for scare tactic purposes. "Well you know one of things we do for lightheadedness is to put this catheter in and it goes up you know what" or "looks like your gonna need an IV and I haven't practiced in forever, its a really big needle!". I bet any money that kid would be up and heading back in no time!
I'm gonna say it's way too easy for a kid to call your bluff on this.
You should stock a catheter and an IV for scare tactic purposes. "Well you know one of things we do for lightheadedness is to put this catheter in and it goes up you know what" or "looks like your gonna need an IV and I haven't practiced in forever, its a really big needle!". I bet any money that kid would be up and heading back in no time!
Wow! Imho that is terrible nursing practice!
why would you scare a kid to find out if he is faking? This sound like borderline threat/abusive to me.
Ehen I was young I was accused of faking and when I was 20 I was dx and all the tummy aches, headaches, dizziness and rashes were explained. I was losing a lot of blood but no one bothered taking me seriously.
if he is faking, he isn't doing it for no reason. Maybe he has something going on at home? Not getting enough attention, sick family member who gets attention etc. scaring him is really not the way to go.
why would you scare a kid to find out if he is faking? This sound like borderline threat/abusive to me.
Ehen I was young I was accused of faking and when I was 20 I was dx and all the tummy aches, headaches, dizziness and rashes were explained. I was losing a lot of blood but no one bothered taking me seriously.
if he is faking, he isn't doing it for no reason. Maybe he has something going on at home? Not getting enough attention, sick family member who gets attention etc. scaring him is really not the way to go.
SnowyJ, RN
844 Posts
GENIUS!!!!!!! I am seriously trying this.