I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around my patient's weight gain. 2 scales used. I have weighed myself to be sure the scales are correct and both scales are. I have seen this patient numerous times. I noticed 3+ on Friday to BLE and the Wed. before I saw this pt on Fri. he was 148. When I saw him Friday he was 164. Pt sent to MD and blood work done, no changes until evaluated by cardio. Called Saturday to check up, caregiver weighed him, he was 188. Pt assessed and the legs were still 3+. Same two scales. Same clothing, no shoes, only robe and boxers. It is boggling my mind. I am a nurse, I went through the training... I just cant understand how it is humanly, physically possible to gain FORTY pounds in 3 days! He is being treated appropriately I just need someone to do a little refresher course with me or something. He has been urinating frequently and not taking in a lot of fluid. WHERE is this weight coming from??? I am starting to wonder if it is the house floor, but then I am always the same weight on the scale.
Ok, this is obviously NOT pregnancy, so I'd be pretty darned concerned too. I second the I&O question. What do his lungs sound like? Any respiratory issues? Hx of chf?
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
There can be a lot of extra fluid without extra edema. Has his abdominal girth increased? Be sure the scale (I am assuming this is at home) is on a flat hard surface.
TXRN44
46 Posts
I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around my patient's weight gain. 2 scales used. I have weighed myself to be sure the scales are correct and both scales are. I have seen this patient numerous times. I noticed 3+ on Friday to BLE and the Wed. before I saw this pt on Fri. he was 148. When I saw him Friday he was 164. Pt sent to MD and blood work done, no changes until evaluated by cardio. Called Saturday to check up, caregiver weighed him, he was 188. Pt assessed and the legs were still 3+. Same two scales. Same clothing, no shoes, only robe and boxers. It is boggling my mind. I am a nurse, I went through the training... I just cant understand how it is humanly, physically possible to gain FORTY pounds in 3 days! He is being treated appropriately I just need someone to do a little refresher course with me or something. He has been urinating frequently and not taking in a lot of fluid. WHERE is this weight coming from??? I am starting to wonder if it is the house floor, but then I am always the same weight on the scale.