The Evidence for Listening and Teaching May Reside in Our Hearts

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Donald D. Kautz, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Mrs. Logan has been treated with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy, often called “shake and bake.” She was in the intermediate care unit on hemodialysis and was being weaned from the ventilator, and her cancer was complicated by shingles. Staff members sometimes thought her level of consciousness varied because she did not respond or follow commands. She later told her husband there were times when she had chosen not to respond, when she was not being “treated like a person.” Another patient once told Debbie, “I feel like a „trick dog? when I?m constantly asked to „stick out your tongue, squeeze your eyes tight, squeeze my hand.?” One day, Debbie was assigned to take care of Mrs. Logan. She had worked with Mrs. Logan before, and she knew it was important to take time to ensure everything was “done right” for Mrs. Logan. Getting the XeroformTM dressing and ointments on the herpes zoster (shingles) lesions on her back and keeping the sheet taut were crucial for the patient?s comfort. Debbie talked with Mr. and Mrs. Logan while performing this care, explaining what she was doing and acknowledging their need to participate in Mrs. Logan?s care. Debbie also listened to Mr. Logan?s concerns. He was worried the liquid ferrous sulfate was making his wife nauseous when it was administered through her gastrostomy tube. Debbie explained because the medicine was ordered twice daily, it was given at default times. She then contacted the pharmacy to have the times changed so the medicine would be given at the same time as her bolus tube feedings when Mrs. Logan had food in her stomach.

Additional Information

Publication
MEDSURG Nursing
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
Nursing

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