You want me to do what????

Published

Specializes in ICU.

Oh lord. I had a patient today, and I guess the doc thought her peri hygeine was not very good, so he ordered a douche. 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Its not like she wasnt being cleaned. I had her the night before and had bathed her so im sure it wasnt a cleanliness issue, but I think he thought i was. I dont know, what ever happened to monistat? I have never in my life seen an order for a douche. That poor woman. Have you guys ever had to do it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I haven't ever seen that either! You know, the GYN always told me that you should never douche! It washes out all the good bacteria. Also he would tell me that if it *smells* or is draining, then, 'Houston, there is a problem' and you need meds. NOT A DOUCHE! *****.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, Med-Surg, ICU.

If you ask me, he's the douche! :D

Happy Thanksgiving!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

Acidic douches, vinegar or yogurt, are an old and effective remedy for mild yeast infections. Did you read the progress note? Maybe he mentions his rationale there. Do you see any signs of yeast? If your pt is diabetic or on antibiotics, she's at high risk. Maybe he's thinking prevention.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MS, ER.

Maybe this was a patient request. Was this before or after a pelvic? What kind of unit is this anyway? None-the-less I have never been asked to administer a douche.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Definately not a patient request. Its a ICU and the pt was intubated and sedated. still awake enough though. I always thought douches were bad as they can disrupt the "natural" environment. Wouldnt meds be a better choice if something was wrong.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Never had to douche someone. Maybe there is a reason, not sure, but I would ask him.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, IM, OB/GYN, neuro, GI.

Most GYN's say not to douche for the reasons your thinking because it takes away the good bacteria. Like the pp mentioned is the patient on any type of antibiotics. I know several that have in the leaflet that comes with them to give patients with a history of yeast infections/susceptable for a yeast infection an antifungal to prevent this from happening.

If you see the MD ask him what the reasoning is because you're curious. Something like "Dr. ____ I noticed that you ordered a douche for Ms. ____. When I did her pericare I didn't notice any discharge or odor. I was wondering why it was ordered?"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the fact that I don't work with Creamsoda!

Bless your heart.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

Meds are good, but vinegar is cheaper.

That's not including the nurse's time, of course!

Best just to ask why, especially since lady partsl procedures are pretty invasive, especially if the pt is elderly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

I can remember ONE douche order in over seven years...one particularly anal-retentive new grad (who didn't have her job long) managed to get an order for one on an immobile lady with MS who was in a CLINITRON BED. She left it for the next shift, on top of it. The RN following her was NOT happy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh Lordy,...this brought back a memory of when I was a nurses aide in high school (I worked at a nursing home). I had to give an elderly woman a douche (I was mortified)....her response to me was 'there hasn't been anything down there since 1948'.....had to leave the room to keep from chuckling....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion