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I've heard that every nurse has their one thing that they don't like and grosses them out and they don't like dealing with. What is your one thing?
For me it would be vomit! I cannot stand vomit!
My trying moment was when a patient's tongue fell out. As in abruptly fell off and out of the mouth. And no, it was not an expected complication.
Whoa. Can you elaborate on how that happened?
I can't stand eye problems and injuries, as well as lumbar punctures. Watching the fluid comes out makes me weak in the knees.
I used to trade off with a coworker-- I would empty and measure her NG drainage, and she would empty my tracheal suctioning cannister. I never minded doing the suctioning, but that cannister... :::: bleck :::
This. I'm a NICU nurse so no bodily fluid has grossed me out, but looking at the contents of a suction cannister is pretty disgusting and makes me gag.
The worst for me is when someone on a G-tube vomits. "Normal" emesis I can manage. The G-tube (or NG) ugh!
I had just fed a pt when they began having a seizure I had to get in there and turn them etc. When I turned them to their side facing me vomit all over my face I wear glasses so it completely covered the lens and I couldn't see. Good thing my mouth was closed.
Mucus, I can't stand mucus. I don't mind suctioning patients, but I hate mucus. Vomit would run second, but I seem to be able to tolerate it somehow. Nose bleeds come close, because I have seen blood clots from the nose that would make one pass out, but somehow I can handle that as well. It is just that gooey, stringy, thick type of mucus that throws me over the edge!!!
Whoa. Can you elaborate on how that happened?.
Trying not to violate HIPAA.
A case of very severe mucositis (and likely infection) of the upper GI tract tissue. Among many issues, also some DIC. Suspect that micro emboli/clot below visualized areas, may have contributed to some necrosis that was difficult to assess given the inflammation.
During AM care, gentle rinsing, the tongue broke loose and fell out.
caroladybelle, BSN, RN
5,486 Posts
My trying moment was when a patient's tongue fell out. As in abruptly fell off and out of the mouth. And no, it was not an expected complication.