Patient Modesty

Specialties Operating Room

Published

Want to get feedback about how we all handle pt concerns about modesty and/or being naked as part of surgery. Concerns about who sees them and for how long? Why do they need to be naked? When is the gown removed, etc? How much do you tell them? How do you handle pt that is concerned about students practicing pelvic exams on them without concent? How to handle the situation when after the surgery they realize they had been "exposed"?

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Is this in regards to religious beliefs?

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It could be, but it is also maybe coming from fear.

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I understand. My religion calls for modesty, but it's much different in a medical setting. Obviously if I'm getting a life saving surgery it doesnt matter who sees me. I would hope to have drapes over the parts of my body that are not being actively operated on. Does your workplace allow the patient to have a preference of the gender of the OR staff?

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I dont know how much this will help, but here's an interesting blog

Bioethics Discussion Blog: Patient Modesty: A More Significant Issue?

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Yes - that is a good blog as well as the "Naked" companion blog. ICEYspots - have you had any experience with this?

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Well I'm still a student, but I am a muslim. My religion obviously calls for female modesty. But I respect the fact that health care workers doctors, nurses, OT, RT are PROFESSIONALS that need to see my body in order to assess my condition. I have had a couple surgeries, and I have requested that I could be as covered up as much as possible, unless it will hinder the care rendered.

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Specializes in geriatric, hospice, med/surg.

Um, hello! These folks are having surgery, for goodness sake...what do they expect....an old timey version of when doc's used the earphone megapieces that didn't even touch a woman's parts? Ridiculous in this day and age for folks to think about or worry whether any of their nether regions have been "seen" during surgery! Geeeezzzzz...religious views or not, they are having surgery! They made the decision to have it, hence, should be glad that they have the option of surgery! I never ever had this question or anything even remotely like this modesty in regards to surgical patients....where do these people come from with their questions???

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Um, hello! These folks are having surgery, for goodness sake...what do they expect....an old timey version of when doc's used the earphone megapieces that didn't even touch a woman's parts? Ridiculous in this day and age for folks to think about or worry whether any of their nether regions have been "seen" during surgery! Geeeezzzzz...religious views or not, they are having surgery! They made the decision to have it, hence, should be glad that they have the option of surgery! I never ever had this question or anything even remotely like this modesty in regards to surgical patients....where do these people come from with their questions???

You also have to consider the professionalism of the staff. I'm sure there are many crazy things said while under anesthesia.

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Would you consider my request too demanding?

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Specializes in geriatric, hospice, med/surg.

Ask me this question when you're NOT a "student"!!!

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Do your religious convictions call for modesty?

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