Embarrassing Medical Conditions All nurses will have a patient that is embarrassed, and it can originate from a variety of reasons and conditions. Some of the most common embarrassing conditions areGas, beyond the normal amount passed by everyone on a daily basis. On average, a person should expel gas 14 times per day. Some patients report releasing gas up to 75 times per day, this is not normal. For a patient coming to a medical office or hospital, this can be quite embarrassing to discuss. In addition, as the patient is probably uncomfortable with the discussion, their intestines can tense, which in turn releases more gas, creating even more embarrassment. Try to be professional, yet keep the mood light by saying something like, you can't do anything we don't see every day, etc. Making the patient feel as though this is something you see often, and you understand, can put the patient at ease. -
Sexual problems are often very difficult for males or females to discuss. A male patient may be in the office due to erectile dysfunction, however 8 out of 10 find it difficult to discuss. Regardless of male or female, just ask pertinent questions as usual, and again, letting them know you are a professional, and see similar problems on a regular basis.
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Depression, this is a very common condition, yet many still find it embarrassing. Some people view asking for help for depression, as weak. Assuring the patient, it takes strength to know when to ask for help, may help ease some of their discomfort. A patient that is depressed for more than 1 month is most likely going to be prescribed medication to treat their condition, and even getting the prescription filled can be embarrassing for some patients.
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Skin ailments, such as a fungal or yeast infection can cause a patient to feel unclean and uncared for. The fact is an overgrowth of yeast can develop for a number of reasons, and a fungal infection is very similar. Anyone who works out, or sometimes for no reason at all, can develop a skin condition such as a fungus. Ringworm can be contracted from animals, or being outdoors, and despite what people think, it's not a worm, it's a very common fungus. Camping, gardening, or working with pets makes people more prone to contract ringworm.
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When you sense uneasiness and embarrassment in your patient, try to put their mind at ease. You are a professional medical worker, and you are in your position to help, and never judge. Most embarrassing conditions patients have, are actually very common, and odds are you have worked with others in the same condition. Putting the patient at ease when discussing their symptoms will encourage them to be more forthcoming with symptoms, etc., and ultimately make the visit more productive. There are specialties in the medical field that you would work with patients who often have embarrassing medical conditions, such as urologist that treat sexual problems, or a GI physician that may treat gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Many times, by the time the patient has reached a specialist in this field, they are tired and frustrated, and may be more willing to discuss the issue, just to finally obtain help. Related: Perfect Nursing Hairstyles for Women Put patients at ease. Treat their visit like any other medical visit, and assure them they are not unique in their condition. Taking information from the patient as usual, making sure to make eye contact, not doing so can make them feel you are uncomfortable discussing the issue at hand. The attending physician can not actually treat the patient properly unless they all have information regarding the problems. As the nurse to the patient, you are the first step in verbalizing what they came to seek treatment for. The level of comfort you provide the patientcan carry over to the physician and make for a much more productive visit. People are different, and experience different levels of comfort, and different levels of discomfort. Be patient and understanding. It can make the visit go much better, and make the patient feel much more comfortable. Related: Reputable Registered Nurse Barbara F. Delo, RN, will be Highlighted in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, Twitter