I entered an elderly patient’s room in the wee hours for blood draw. He had an IV in his right arm, so I automatically went to his left side.
I introduced myself and began preparing for the draw. After verifying his name/DOB from the wristband, I noticed the patient’s left arm was under the cover up to his bicep.
The patient was very out of it however I needed him to place his arm on top of the cover therefore I asked him to do so. As the patient just stared up at me, I noticed that his left hand was moving under the covers near his genital area.
Normally when a patient is out of it, I would gently provide instructions hoping they understand and comply but with this scenario I immediately thought to myself “if he doesn’t bring his arm/hand out from underneath these covers, I sure as heck am not going in after it”! #hatedwardrounds
Submitted by:
Nicole King
Laboratory Technician
USA
