WTH

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2011

Well if the pt was paralyzed then the RN was correct as often paraplegic get bed sores as they can't feel them developing/feel the pain from them. Otherwise, then yeah the pt can feel the bed sores and they can be quite painful.

allnurses Guide · Jun 27, 2011

It would depend on what else was going on medically with the pt.

Sometimes the inability to feel is exactly what leads to decubes.

Someone already mentioned paralysis as a possibilty.

You could also think about the diabetic pt who has no clue they have a nasty wound on the bottom of their foot. They had no clue they even injured themselves because the circulation is so poor, they cannot feel it.

Also, is it possible the nurse was saying that to comfort the family? Maybe a bit misguided, but is that possible?

rusure · Jun 27, 2011

I understand what you all are saying but.....this pt was not paralyzed nor does he have diabetes.....and for him moan everytime he was wiped is an strong indication that he was feeling pain..

MedChica · Jun 28, 2011

Was @ work the other day. Pt came to the floor with stool on him .In the process of cleaning him we noticed bed sores. The RN turned to the daughter of this pt and tells her that bed sores don't hurt... WTH!!! that ppl with bed sores can't feel them......where the h*** did she go to become a nurse...

That nurse said that bed sores, in general, don't hurt and that people, generallym don't feel them.

OP was right to be surprised.

...and I think that we've skedaddled past 'misguided'.

You don't lie to family members and pts to make them feel good.

I've been on this side of the table. I can handle bad news. But, if I find out that I'm being plied with false reassurance I'd be p/o and someone would be 'dressed down' by the end of it.

She said it to comfort the family? I doubt that.

If the sores were discovered AS the family watched, it's more likely that she said this to dampen any criticism.

"Well -- it IS serious...but, ppl with bed sores can't feel it. So...it's not AS bad as --"

...because the family members were probably looking, like, "What is this all over his body...?"

allnurses Guide · Jul 3, 2011

That nurse said that bed sores, in general, don't hurt and that people, generallym don't feel them.
OP was right to be surprised.
...and I think that we've skedaddled past 'misguided'.
She said it to comfort the family? I doubt that.

Lol, I doubt it too... I was just trying to think if there was ANY reason why the nurse would say what she did.

If the pt has no issues with sensation, then I think we all agree...that nurse is full of poop.

pca_85 · Jul 5, 2011

She was just trying to comfort the daughter.