What do you all think of tele patients drinking coffee

[RNCRNA2BE]

I am just asking, because a lot of people like to have that cup of coffee in the morning, but I am usually reluctant to comply due to the diuretic effect of caffeine, not to mention the fact that it makes the heart race sometimes. Also, giving it to patients on a fluid restriction seems counterproductive. Why give them their bit of fluid in the form of coffee? It just seems like common sense not to give coffee, but our hospital does not have a policy on this matter. What do you all think, or what do you do in your practice?

Thanks!!

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

ok, so if you think it does effect their rhythm you don't give it anymore?

You discuss it with the doctor and you discuss it with the patient. I discuss these things with my patients, I'll bring them their strips and give them a mini tutorial on heart rhythms. I did this the other day with a guy who was having trigeninal PVCs all of a sudden, and we did discuss things that could stimulate ectopic beats.

Bottom line is that patients have a right to make their own healthcare decisions whether we like it or agree with it. Our job is the monitor them, report our findings to the doctor, educate the patient. If they go against medical advise we are supposed to document. We aren't their overlords.