What was the MOST ridiculous thing a patient came to the ER for?

And did you have to treat them?

I am just curious. Your stories always seem to either crack me up or shake my head in amazement.

Thanks for sharing ?

Kidney stone = real pain......real pain = emergency -----do not hesitate

These stories are really GOOD, but it reminds me of something.

As nurses, having seen this kind of abuse, and knowing how crowded and busy ER's are; we may hesitate to seek care.

I woke up one morning with the WORST abdominal pain. Definitley 10/10.

Said nothing to my husband, sure it was gas.

2 hours go by, no toileting, change of position, antacids are working.

Call to my primary, described the problem. He tells me, "get to the ER NOW!

My reply: "Isn't that a little dramatic?".(Heck, I'm not having a heart attack or a stroke, isn't that what ER's are for, I'm thinking?).

He: Get here now!"

So, I call hubby, get him to drive me, and it turns out that I have a ruptured ovarian cyst, COULD have bled to death; and and was admitted for 24 hours to R/O surgery.

So, don't hesitate to seek the care you or your loved ones need just because you think the ER'S are full of crocks and the docs should'nt be bothered with li'l ol' compentent you.

I have heard that passing an kidney stone is compared to having a 10# baby without an epidural- I would say that would be an emergency-

Specializes in ED-CEN/PACU/Flight.
I have heard that passing an kidney stone is compared to having a 10# baby without an epidural- I would say that would be an emergency-

I can certainly empathize with my kidney stone patients! I've had 3 kids (naturally - and I think I'm a wuss) and 3 surgeries for stones. Let's just say I'd rather have 8 more children (all at the same time coming out sideways), naturally, while eating a plate full of glass and nails.

And I love it when they come in "to be seen"; when you ask what is wrong - "nothing, just needed a checkup!"

I posted this on the main board a few weeks ago.....a 16-yr-old girl was brought into the ER by her mother because (I kid you not) "I'm scared of big dogs."

My favorite....

"I just want to get checked out". Checked out for what?

This is ussually stated post minor MVC, fall, child falling off couch onto carpet, tumbling off a bike, doing new drugs, having 'relations' with people one is unsure of, etc..... and the conversation will often go like this...

"I just want to get (add a 'my son or daughter)checked out."

RN--"does it hurt anywhere, do you feel unwell?"

"no"

VSS, good colour, ambulatory etc. How do you triage this? What do they want us to check? Would a family doctor or phone line not be more appropiate? I once had a lady bring both her very well looking, playful children in to be 'checked out' after they might have had a drink of a puddle that was on the road a few hours earlier--she wanted us to pump their stomachs!!!!!

HERE'S YOUR CHECK---GO HOME!!!!!

LOL....

I once had a lady bring both her very well looking, playful children in to be 'checked out' after they might have had a drink of a puddle that was on the road a few hours earlier--she wanted us to pump their stomachs!!!!!

Shoulda pumped her stomach and then asked her, "Do you really want me to put your children through this??"

Specializes in EMS, ortho/post-op.
Now why in the world would you even think that it would be silly to go to the ER for that? I had a kidney stone years ago. It was probably the worst pain I ever felt in my life!

I agree, with the except of the abscessed tooth I had this week. I think that one blew everything else out of the water. :o I had a "pulp debridement" today and it's still aching. I had a kidney stone about six years ago and it was really, really awful. I went to the ER with my aunt and I actually passed out from the pain. My aunt said that I screamed really loud and nurses came running. LOL I woke up to a nurse pushing demerol and phenergan and lots of people standing over the bed. Pretty freaky. I don't really remember much about the rest of that night. Apparently the scream happened when the stone passed. Not something I want to experience again!

As for the strangest thing I've seen in the ER, once we had a guy come in with a laceration to his member. The computer said his complaint was "split member." You should have seen everyone's faces, that was priceless! Turns out it was a tiny little laceration that was stitched up and he was sent on his way. Guess someone in triage or registration overreacted? ;)

Christina

Specializes in ER, Peds, Charge RN.

I had a mom bring in a one week old for "jerking movements during sleep"

Diagnosis? Startle reflex.

I can understand the new mom syndrome though.. I was there once.

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

Those are called "myoclonic jerks", and, yes, they're harmless.

Nothing scarier than being a 1st time new parent--everything looks alarming. Then, when a real problem comes along, you miss it, cuz you kept asking, and they kept telling you it was ok.

My favorite....

"I just want to get checked out". Checked out for what?

This is ussually stated post minor MVC, fall, child falling off couch onto carpet, tumbling off a bike, doing new drugs, having 'relations' with people one is unsure of, etc..... and the conversation will often go like this...

"I just want to get (add a 'my son or daughter)checked out."

RN--"does it hurt anywhere, do you feel unwell?"

"no"

VSS, good colour, ambulatory etc. How do you triage this? What do they want us to check? Would a family doctor or phone line not be more appropiate? I once had a lady bring both her very well looking, playful children in to be 'checked out' after they might have had a drink of a puddle that was on the road a few hours earlier--she wanted us to pump their stomachs!!!!!

HERE'S YOUR CHECK---GO HOME!!!!!

LOL....

I had this sweet little old lady in triage one night, and she held up her hand with a dressing on it, and said I want to get this checked. I did just what she said I put a check mark on her hand, and then asked her if there was anything else I could do for her. You should have heard her laugh. Word to the wise though make sure your patient has a sense of humor before trying this.

I can certainly empathize with my kidney stone patients! I've had 3 kids (naturally - and I think I'm a wuss) and 3 surgeries for stones. Let's just say I'd rather have 8 more children (all at the same time coming out sideways), naturally, while eating a plate full of glass and nails.

And I love it when they come in "to be seen"; when you ask what is wrong - "nothing, just needed a checkup!"

I second you opinion on kidney stones and having kids. I had both of my boys w/o pain meds and passed more stones than I can count. I feel the same way you do, give me 10 more toddlers w/o pain meds than one more stone.

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