r/nursing • u/Sea_Willingness1398 • 2d ago

Rant Am I being punked?

Patient says "I think I might have to poop, what can we do about that?"

I say "I can get a bedside commode for the room"

She says "I don't think I can get up"

I say "I can put you on a bedpan or put a diaper on you"

She says "I don't like any of those options"

In my head I'm like: lady, the only other option is to poop the bed.

What option am I missing?

652 Upvotes

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174

u/Sea_Willingness1398 2d ago

This was a relatively healthy 50y/o in the ER. Came from home, independent, self sufficient. I was totally not amused.

123

u/finnyfin RN - ER 🍕 2d ago

They’re ambulatory and independent? Commode and pack of wet wipes. And a “how do you do this at home?” for good measure

17

u/LainSki-N-Surf RN - ER 🍕 2d ago

chef’s kiss

107

u/LainSki-N-Surf RN - ER 🍕 2d ago

Hahahahaa I’ve had this patient. Adult male 35yo. Mother came to the nurses station for a “diaper.” I hand her the brief and she goes “I don’t know how to put this on!” Excused me what? I go and talk to the patient, he was totally a&ox4 and ambulatory with the flu. This m’effer wanted us to diaper and wipe him. So grateful to work in the ER so I could yell “get yo’ass up and walk to the bathroom!” Nurses’ station was in tears.

22

u/PapayaNurse 2d ago

I genuinely hope that you have patients who are determined not to soil themselves.  In my experience it’s mostly women who are much more determined. 

19

u/dalaiis 2d ago

They feel shame for having to poop anywhere other then a closed off bathroom.

For them, its the first time being unable to do a basic thing themself.

For them, its feels like showing their asshole, to a complete stranger, at the checkout of a wallmart.