I was just wondering what you all do when a pt wants to leave the floor to go smoke? I work at a facility that has strict no smoking policies in place for patients who smoke, visitors and staff. There is no smoking on hospital grounds period. I always have pts who seem to go thru nicotine withdrawals at the sight of the hospital!! They always ask me if they can go outside with their friend/family/significant other/whoever, to "get some fresh air"! I'm not stupid and I will catch on to you! Today I had a.straight up telll me he was going out top smoke! Tried to tell him not to, he had just had morphine, post appy, and fluids running! He kept asking me if it was ok to smoke... Repeaed myself multiple times but he just wanted some one to tell him he want going to get in trouble! I obviously wasnt going to restrain him, he is a grown ass man and theres really nothing I could do to stop him... Anyway he ended up leaving the floor, iv pole and all... Right before he go on the elevator I caught him and disconnected him from his iv pump... I want going to let him take it out side with him! He finally came back but I'm just wondering, what would you have done of this was your pt? Was I wrong to unhook the fluids, making it easier for him to walk? I felt so trapped by him, I was screwed either way! Sorry if there stre other posts similar to this, just had to vent! I truly appreciate your time and any comments/insights you'd be willing to give! Thanks so much!
