Yesterday I spent 6 hours in class getting recertified in ACLS. As you can see from the picture, we are about to start on the babies. At first these classes made me nervous but the tests are not nearly as comprehensive as the review materials, and the "mock code" test (where you have a CPR dummy connected to a monitor with a crash cart nearby while you tell everyone what to do based on the rhythm the instructor puts up on the monitor). I've done real ones so often I don't worry about them anymore.
The last night at work, I was called to insert a foley. The patient has a pretty good case of prostate hypertrophy, but I was able to "make the turn". I got the catheter inserted all the way up to the hub but no urine came out (we had scanned him and he had about 500cc in there). Suddenly, the patient care tech and I were being sprinkled by a fountain of urine. There must have been some blockage of the tube (or it was kinked or occluded in some way) and the urine squirted out of the urethra around the catheter. We were trying to stay clear of the line (arc) of fire. My hands were full, and I told the tech to cover the penis with anything at all. In the vacinity, I noticed several pillows, pillow cases, blankets, paper towels. Behind her, almost a full arms' length away, I spied an ice pack. The next thing I knew, that ice pack (full of ice) went right over the tip of his penis and both of my hands.
Women. Typical.
After the procedure, I had to get a set of hospital scrubs to replace my urine-sprinkled uniform.
It could have been worse. I have an eerily similar story involving a patient that was getting an enema. They were washing down the walls, doors, ceilings and a window for the next day.
You would think that male foleys would be easy since there is only one place to go.. but enlarged prostates can really through a wrench into the process..
Posted by: NPs Save Lives | March 10, 2006 at 07:12 PM
what about it? i mean, that is typical of women?
Posted by: may | March 07, 2006 at 06:06 PM