Tricks to getting patients to do what you want?

[AragornSkywalker]

I had a patient who hasnt had a bath for 4 days post-op & foley catheter! I told the husband she needed a bath ASAP to prevent UTIs since she didnt speak english. He wouldnt cause she didnt want one. I offered to let a female nurse do it but she still didnt want one. I tried to convince him its for her health but he didnt seem to budge. In the end, my instructor lectured me about how its my responsibility and not the husbands.

So do any of the more experienced ppl here have tricks to getting patients to do what you want? Especially female patients who are apprehensive about guy nurses? I was entirely professional. This was only my 3rd clinical btw.

[MnemonicMonkey]

To reiterate what others have said, you give the choice of when or how they want the bath, not if.

However, to be culturally sensitive, many other cultures aren't as obsessed with bathing as we are. Educate on the infection risks and address those issues.

[devons1972]

all of these points are very good points and could be tried, but ultimately you must remember that a patient has the right to deny any and all treatment/procedures. end of discussion. =)

[psalm, RN]

There is a belief of some cultures for women not to bathe after childbirth for 6 weeks because it opens the body up to evil spirits. Yikes! So how far do we go with autonomy of our patients if they come to our hospital?

[devons1972]

again, having been a nurse for 10 years, all you can do is inform a patient. educate them so they understand the potential consequences of their choices......but ultimately, it is his or her choice. unless someone is deemed incompetent and unable to make choices legally, you can not force anyone to do what s/he does not want to do.

[CandyGyrl1985]

Sometimes it is appropriate to tell instead of ask... For example some patients when asked if they want a bath will say no... But if you come in and say Its time for your bath they will comply.

If they truly do not want a bath or whatever - believe me they will let you know.

[benitarae]

I thought all the responses gave good ideas. But from personal experience, I know elderly patients are the hardest to convince. And additionally if there are other factors, such as culture, language and the sex of the nurse. I am leaning towards getting the Charge Nurse to get a female CNA or nurse to attempt this. Also, giving the patient her own basin and trying to convey to her that she will get an infection if she does not bathe herself, especially in that area.

I remember, I once had a patient who refused to remove herself from the toilet. She was elderly and had some dementia going on. I called the nurse administrator who came and talked with her to no avail, in the end, we had to forcibly remove her. The patient had been on the toilet for almost 2 hours! Her social worker was not at all happy. Perhaps we should have contacted her first!

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Stop saying the word "bath" as it may be/become a power struggle.

Give her a warm washcloth before breakfast, and water so she can freshen up. Brush her dentures for her after each meal.

Ask her if you can rub her back (with a washcloth, and then lotion) after breakfast. If you are smooth you might get her pits too. If not, ask her if she just wants them quickly cleaned.

You'll have to do "catheter care" and bring a wet cloth with you. That takes care of the groin.

If you assist her with turning that gives you an extra chance to swipe her bottom. Maybe a foot soak and massage would feel good while she's stuck in bed. After you get a few things done and it feels good most people will become more cooperative.

In bits and pieces she'll get an entire bath by the time the shift is done. Respecting her when she says "no" is definitely a part of the process.

[Kristen.Michelle527]

I have found that giving patients options makes a huge difference. If you have to do a bath, vitals, and etc let the patient choose which to do first. Having options gives them a feeling of control. Last quarter I was at clinical in the Alzheimer's wing at a nursing home and I had a patient that got angry and violent when it was time for her bath. The only way to get her to cooperate and calm down was to tell her we were getting her ready for lunch. She loved lunch time and that was what motivated her!!! She was a joy to work with after that. In that situation, I think the trick is to know your patient or make friends with someone who does and can help you out :)