PPIs and CDiff.....

Just a thought....so we have these "prophylactic" meds we give on our ortho floor:

enoxaprin for blood clots

omeprazole for stomach ulcers

Oh and there are probably a few others but I'm just waking up after finishing a shift. And this isn't a new thought, but after reading this article, I can't help but think that low staffing prevents good basic nursing care that prevents the body from being its natural lazy self and clotting/ulcerating when it is immobile.

I don't think my patients would catch CDiff from early and REGULAR ambulation and even in bed exercise programs. Heck, they more likely could even fight it off if exposed.

But when all my patients have foleys, need dressing changes, have pain issues, and OH the charting among other crud forms/paperwork, it just frustrates me that we then rely on pills/shots to do what the body can do very well on its own for most people when they just stay moving! Just thinking....

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/758268?sssdmh=dm1.756892&src=nl_newsalert

Thanks for listening to my pseudo vent. It was a long night, but I emerged somewhat victorious. Every single one of my patients was OOB by 0600, foley out or toileted, and up to a bedside chair for breakfast. --Lobot