What to do when... Patient stinks...

cn2007rn · Mar 9, 2006

Pt stinks after having a bowel movement and its all diarrhea. I have to clean it up all the time, but the thing is tho, i cant wear a mask or anything because that would be rude and what not to the patient and plus they dont have any mask from what i've seen. It makes me almost croke each time just doing it, cuz its watery and nasty, omg, just sick green crap. Is there anything else i can do besides air freshener? Maybe something to sniff while im doing it? Thanx

Oh no, CODE BROWN!!!

:barf01:

greenjanell · Mar 9, 2006

Vicks Vicks Vicks Vicks Vicks Vicks Vicks Vicks!!!!!!!!

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 9, 2006

minty kind of solution = spirit of peppermint oil

Room deodorizers can be spraved on washcloth and hidden in bedban under the bed for those staying any lenght of time---work for those with fulmigating cancer tumors. Can use iodoform gauze, tomato juice, peppermint oil on cloth if no commercial product.

Vicks/alcholol pad under nose quick solution for code browns.

Cynthia_S · Mar 14, 2006

I work in MICU and we keep a large bottle of white vinegar in the med room. Pour 1/2 glass and keep it in the room and it will absorb all the odors and not leave a scent in the air. Just be sure to label the cup so noone drinks it!

Shaneomac · Mar 14, 2006

Spray the area with an aerosol can, specially if there are other patients nearby, you have to think about them aswell.

AussieKylie · Mar 21, 2006

Hi

I have a question related to stoma bag care and discarding fecal matter whilst wearing mask. As I emptied a stoma bag and the odour was just amazing and I wish I wore a mask. However, when wearing a mask it will make the patient feel embarassed but I prefer to wear a mask so that the fumes dont get into my system and make me sick.

What would you do?

regards :uhoh3:

katonialynn · Mar 21, 2006

I have never worn a mask to empty a bag. I usually just try to do it as quickly as possible and bring air freshener with me for when I am done. The patient knows it stinks so they are usually grateful for the sir freshener. Depending on the patient, I have been known to joke about the smell also but that is one that you have to be careful with:mad:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2006

I have to admit that the heading of your post is what intriqued me to read on. I pretty much figured out ahead of time where you were headed. You see, my mother has a colostomy and my brother and I with whom she has lived know all too well what the odor (fumes, as you so quaintly put it) is like. My brother being the jerk that he can be has spoken up and told her that it stinks and he had her do all her colostomy emptying, etc. in a bathroom that was separated from the rest of the family when she lived with him. He demanded that she spray room freshener before opening the door of the bathroom. Now, my mother tells me she does not notice the odor, but I gotta tell you that it is really enough to cause one to catch their breath and bring tears to the eyes. Did I describe the fumes correctly? Now that I have her living with me I keep Lavender room spray from Norfolk Lavender in England in the bathroom. If she uses it, I'm grateful. If she forgets, then I go into the bathroom and spray.

I think you just have to put on a very sympathetic face before you begin and tell the patient that you need to put a mask on and just appologize ahead of time. I don't know that the mask is going to give you much help at blocking out the smell though. What it will do is hide the contorted look on your face as you try to breath! (Sorry, that was pretty insensitive, I know.) Patients who have had their colostomy for awhile will understand. Another thing you can do is try to breath through your mouth. You could also try spraying an air freshener first before emptying the stool from the pouch. Whatever you do, don't get your face too close to the stool because it will only smell worse. Somewhere over the years my nose kind of got de-sensitized to a lot of these odors, and believe me, I've come across some pretty foul smelling body fluids over the years, diarrhea of active GI bleeders being the worst. I guess it's just one of those things that happens when you stay at a job long enough. When people say "oooh, I could never be a nurse because I couldn't stand the blood" I sure would like to have them empty a colostomy bag and then see what they have to say. :nurse:

charebec65 · Mar 22, 2006

Just another suggestion to add which helps with anything that's odorous.... rub in a little vick's vapor rub under your nose. It's quite strong and helps mask other odors.

Wen83 · Mar 22, 2006

I also bring air freshener as well. Then (the less noticeable the better...obviously :lol2: ) I take a few deep breaths and hold it as long as I can and then slowly let the breath out while emptying and cleaning the bag as quickly as possible.

HHW2006 · Mar 23, 2006

Put some shaving cream in a cup and put it on a table or window ledge near the patient's bed. Also, mints or gum help. And breathe through your mouth!!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Mar 23, 2006

when I was working at a clinic that served the homeless my dad gave me some menthol stuff to rub under my nose. He used it when his friend was dying in the hospital from gangrene of the blood (basically rotted to death and they had to reserve a whole wing of the hospital for the guy because the smell was so bad) If it does the trick for gangrene I am sure it would work for stinky BMs