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

nsgstudentinthe254 · Mar 25, 2006

I also just rub vicks right underneath my nostrils. It helps to deaden it a little. I mouth breath sometimes too, if it is not too bad. I eventually get used to the smell after being in the pt room for a few minutes. However I have never had a steatorrhea pt either. I heard those are the worst smelling of them all.

SNSS, RN · Mar 25, 2006

In the ED I was taught to hook up a neb set up to the O2, stuff paper towel in the mouth piece, and put mouthwash in the med cup. Works like a charm.:)

marzzs · Mar 25, 2006

I'm with you Kersti, can handle all the smell ranges... but chunks of lung juice... Ugh!!

marzzs · Mar 25, 2006

Um just wondering why I have a warn level under my user name... I dont notice this on others replies

SNSS, RN · Mar 25, 2006

I think only you can see it. I have it too only on mine.

Fran_Nurse · Mar 25, 2006

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

Be careful doing above you may set all your asthmatic patients off.

I carry a small cheap bottle of purfume and spray the backs of stinky patients when not looking.

And the Vicks is great to.

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marzzs · Mar 25, 2006

Ha ha, would never have guessed that! Ta for letting me know

Mar

Fun2, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

I'd wear a mask. You never know if the pt will have a BM when you are in the middle of cleaning. Splashes can occur!

I don't think your safety should be jeopardized any more than it has too because of 'rudeness'. It's poop for pete's sake. Contrary to what people say, noone's poop smells like petunias. So, I think it's safe to say everyone knows it smells. I'd ask for masks.

Vicks is added to my list of things to have too!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

Um just wondering why I have a warn level under my user name... I dont notice this on others replies

We all have one, but we can only see our own. If you break one of the TOS rules you get warned by being given a certain number of points (kind of like getting points on your driver's license for breaking driving laws). Accumulate 100 points or do something really outrageous and you get yourself banned from the forum forever. I think you can see a list of the points in the FAQ list.

spookygirl · Mar 26, 2006

I agree with everyone else on the vicks. But also Bath and Body Works (if you have one nearby) sells a peppermint temple cream for headaches...... it also works great for those not so fresh patients.

hangnon · Mar 27, 2006

Be careful doing above you may set all your asthmatic patients off.
I carry a small cheap bottle of purfume and spray the backs of stinky patients when not looking.
And the Vicks is great to.

I'd be very careful with the perfume too. As someone who gets very ill (headache/vomiting) from perfume, cheap or expensive, I'd be really upset that it was sprayed on me or even any where near my room. Just as I also think it's highly inappropriate for nurses to wear perfume but that's my own personal opinion. Just another point to consider......

Fun2, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2006

I'd be very careful with the perfume too. As someone who gets very ill (headache/vomiting) from perfume, cheap or expensive, I'd be really upset that it was sprayed on me or even any where near my room. Just as I also think it's highly inappropriate for nurses to wear perfume but that's my own personal opinion. Just another point to consider......

That's what I thought as well. Allergies are so bad to so many people here in TX, and I'm sure in other areas as well.

My husband says I'm too big on "what if's", but here goes another "what if". What if the pt just had surgery, and had allergies, or just so happens to be allergic to the exact kind of perfume you just sprayed on his/her orifice?

The nurse sprays perfume, the pt gets on a sneezing spell, stresses the incision..sutures come apart....ok....I'm sure that we all can see where this can lead to.

See, perfume could be bad too.