Responding to an Embarrassed Patient

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Hi! I'm working on a case study & the situation's asking me how I'd respond to a patient who was embarrassed about the "mess" he made during a GI bleed. I dug up my Fundamentals book & googled & can't seem to find what I need. Is there a PROPER way to respond to a patient who's embarrassed about something?! I know I'd probably try to reassure them that it's nothing to be embarrassed about & be empathetic, but I've never been in this situation yet in clinical, so I'm curious what the RIGHT, by-the-book kind of response would be for something like this??

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

It's hard to take book learning and then apply it to real world situations. I normally hate it when students come to AllNurses to get us to do their homework for them, but this is something I want students to really have down solid: therapeutic communication.

1. acknowledge their feelings,

2. let them it's ok to feel that way.

3. tell them how you are going to help them.

So using that format, how would you answer your patient?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I think the BEST thing to do is to acknowledge that you realize that they are embarrassed. That it is normal to feel uncomfortable with such invasions of privacy that you are a professional and all measures will be taken to maintain privacy/dignity

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

Sometimes actions speak louder than words. A simple it's okay it's not your fault, and taking the time to do really good peri care, apply a barrier cream change the bed with lots of cotton and absorbent pads, a fresh johnny and a warm facecloth and towel for the face and hands. This helps them feel fresher and like somebody cares. While doing this you can say if it happens again before I can get here that's okay it will go on these pads. Make sure the pt has the call light and say please call if you need anything. ( Up here we call it the dial 0 for O'Malley button. ) It's all about building trust.

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Specializes in Pedi.

This is not an answer you will find in any book. Patients are often embarrassed in these types of situations. I can tell you what not to do from experience...

I was 19 year olds, s/p craniotomy in the Neuro ICU. 2 nursing students (aides) were helping me do something. They asked me if I felt like I was going to vomit. I said no. Shortly thereafter, the nausea hit immediately and I vomited, there wasn't enough time to grab a bucket. They were visibly annoyed and said "you said you didn't have to throw up" and got all pissy because they had to help me clean up. Not helpful. Acknowledge that he is embarrassed but also just help him get clean without making a big deal over it.

I am a pedi nurse. When babies throw up or spit up on me their parents are embarrassed. I always tell them "it's not the first time that happened and it won't be the last." No big deal. We clean up and move on.

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Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.

I agree with all the above posters.

I just tell my patients "That's why they have huge washers and dryers here!"

Do everything to restore their dignity and don't dwell on the situation.

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