Hello everyone: If you have a patient with an offensive odor, how do you handle it? I had a patient that had a bad odor eminating from her, so I proceeded to investigate to find the source of the odor. Well, I guess her husband complained and I find myself having to justify/explain my actions.
I agree I need to learn to be more tactful, but I was just making sure
the patient did not have a physiologic issue occuring. like infection. I would like some input from anyone else that has run across this situation before. Thank you so much:(:uhoh21:
Thank you all for the input. I work in a re-hab facility and I work 11-7. When I smelled this odor, I started to access the patient more thouroughly by lifting covers etc... the patient's husband was not present, but I guess she said something to him. And when she went out to doctors f/u the husband said something to the doctor and the doctor called our administrator. My DON called me and I have to go in and tell my side of the story. I continued to care for this patient for several more nights and she never once said anything to me that she was upset. I had no idea. I am about to throw in the towel at this place.
Thank you all for the input. I work in a re-hab facility and I work 11-7. When I smelled this odor, I started to access the patient more thouroughly by lifting covers etc... the patient's husband was not present, but I guess she said something to him. And when she went out to doctors f/u the husband said something to the doctor and the doctor called our administrator. My DON called me and I have to go in and tell my side of the story. I continued to care for this patient for several more nights and she never once said anything to me that she was upset. I had no idea. I am about to throw in the towel at this place.
So they are basically making you explain why you are doing your job. Dear Lord...they'll then wonder why you quit. Seems odd that a spouse would complain perhaps a control issue on their part. When the doctor called the DON and why he did that seems off too shame your manager didn't just say assessments are part of your job.
Not sure how you are susposed to assess your patient without moving the covers...I mean it does not sound like you made her lay there naked..which has happened on occasion (very very briefly, with door and windows closed) on my floor. Geeezze. Gotta see the skin...
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pmw2007
15 Posts
Thank you all for the input. I work in a re-hab facility and I work 11-7. When I smelled this odor, I started to access the patient more thouroughly by lifting covers etc... the patient's husband was not present, but I guess she said something to him. And when she went out to doctors f/u the husband said something to the doctor and the doctor called our administrator. My DON called me and I have to go in and tell my side of the story. I continued to care for this patient for several more nights and she never once said anything to me that she was upset. I had no idea. I am about to throw in the towel at this place.