What to Do If Your Geriatric Patient Doesn’t Cooperate Elderly patients attribute to a high percentage of the population in hospitals and medical facilities. There are several ways to approach uncooperative geriatric patients; however, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you should never take what your patient says personally. Never hesitate to step away, or to ask for support, as everyone has a breaking point. A combative patient can push even the best of nurses to that point. It may prove to be beneficial to have a code phrase with co-workers when dealing with uncooperative patients. You can calmly use the phrase, “do you need a break” or “I need a break”, to indicate it’s time to walk away. This will prove beneficial for both the nurse and the patient. Recognize The Escalation Phase The best way to handle an uncooperative patient is to prevent the situation from escalating. For instance, if you know that a particular patient really dislikes to have blood drawn, and will often refuse to cooperate, try to downplay the event. The patient can pick up on your tension and will often react based on that. Instead of announcing its time for a blood draw, try carrying on a normal conversation as you start to prepare the patient for the procedure. It may divert their attention away from the blood draw, and allow them to focus on the conversation at hand. Related: 5 Struggles Only Nurses Understand Show Compassion and Understanding As a nurse, it can be routine to go from room-to-room doing what needs to be done. There is no question nurses do some really difficult tasks and procedures, as it takes a special and strong person to be a good nurse. Consider that although some things seem routine for you, it may not be the same for your patient. Although your intention is to not inflict pain, it is important to recognize that after a while, a needle going into the skin is not a great feeling, regardless of your abilities. If your patient begins to say how much they do not want you to touch them, try and understand what they are saying. Validate their feelings, concerns, and fears. That in itself lets them know they are being heard. Explain the procedure and process, let them know you understand why they don’t want it done, and follow that up with why it is necessary. Try a Different Approach Be open and willing to try a different approach. When you walk in the patient's room to change their bandage, and they know it's going to be uncomfortable, they may start reacting long before you touch them. Try a slightly different routine each time you go to tend to the bandage, as it will divert their attention from their same old routine. If you approach treating them in different ways each time, they will be less likely to know what to expect, and might even feel relieved that there is a change of pace. Related: Overcoming IV Anxiety
What You Should Know Some key things to consider include not taking a patient's anger and words too personally. A geriatric patient may be upset solely because they are exhausted from treatment. You may face their troubling feelings because you are the one who is treating them every day. Remember to be patient, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed. What advice can you offer to your fellow nurses? Related: International Nurses Association - What's Your Superpower? T-shirt Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter