When you overhear...

Blatantly wrong but not dangerously wrong? As if you weren't in the room?

I searched for the origin of a quote which says you can ask yourself before you speak, "Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?". Nothing definite but instead I found someone who was quoting Mark Twain that a dog has a lot of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue.

So I'd say no comment.

Blatantly wrong but not dangerously wrong? As if you weren't in the room?

Sure. Like "Vitamin C makes your chest hair grow in ringlets". Wrong? I believe so. Dangerous? I doubt it.

You've never had people talk as if you weren't there? What really gets me is that they talk about me like I can't hear them. "What's she doing? Why did she do that?", etc.

For the record, I usually don't say anything either. If they act like I'm not there, I assume they aren't asking for my opinion!

It depends on the situation. If it is the patient who is saying this I would sit down with her and explain to her what her meds were for. If it is a family member who administers her meds, again I would say something.

If it were just people visiting and they weren't talking to me. I wouldn't say anything.

If patients/family are asking questions to one another about what you are doing, take this as an opportunity to do some teaching. Patient education is the key to keeping them informed on what you are doing and why...

I already have enough on my plate, I don't have the time or energy to try to cure every case of stupidity in this world.

If they are having a conversation, and both seem confused, like say one says "I take lasix, but I'm not sure why. Maybe for my cholesterol, but who knows", then I might just do a little patient education. Only if I am close enough not to have to talk loudly (don't want to look like a know-it-all to everyone). But, if they state a "fact", then no, I wouldn't. Generally if they state a fact, they are sure, and would just argue and think you were a dummy anyone.

Hi, all! Long time, no see!

I didn't interject my knowledge, but I did use my knowledge to prevent potential disaster.

I was walking through Target looking for my hubby and had to walk near the pharmacy. I heard the couple standing at the pharmacy counter discussing the new water pill that was prescribed - "Spirit Lactone," as they put it.

I'm walking by and hear the pharmacy tech tell the man, "Be sure to take a potassium supplement while you're on this."

:no::no::no::no::no:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I stopped in my tracks, whipped my head around, walked to the counter and asked the couple to please wait while the tech confirmed that with the pharmacist. The pharmacist about flipped when he was asked if a patient taking spironolactone should have K+ supplements!!!!

I was proud of myself...didn't "tell it like it is" and was tactful so that the tech was not humiliated by a stranger....BUT, I saved potential disaster. Most of the time, I keep my mouth shut, though.

If it is a casual situation, such as a supermarket, movie theater, etc, where these people are interacting amongst themselves, I would not intervene, because it is not my business. It is the same as someone walking over to me and saying "You put too much sugar in your coffee, or why do you smoke?" None of your concern...I would say to them. I already have seen enough arguments in a day from co-workers and patients, and am too drained to get into things not meant for me.

Depends on the situation. Like most, I don't want to appear like the know-it-all type.

Saturday night, I was in CVS and there was only one other customer in the store. This guy came in asking the clerk to help him find medicine for a stye on his eye. He went on to tell the clerk that he had an interview on Monday and really wanted this this problem resolved. I just mentioned that he should try warm compresses - a pretty benign suggestion I think.