July 2018
Jill
Saltzman
,
BSN, RN
ET Therapy
UPMC Presbyterian
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States
We were caring for a patient in the ICU who was critically ill. The patient's son refused to leave the hospital but the nurses noticed a very bad odor coming from the son which in our expertise was suspicious for a wound. Upon investigation, by the CRS the patient's son had terrible leg wounds on his lower extremities. The ET nurse who was seeing the patient's father at the time made some recommendations with her expertise and the staff made arrangements for the patient to be seen in the clinic at Montefiore. Jill took the time on her break to go over at the time of the outpatient visit to make expert recommendations for this gentleman's wound care. She then continued to visit the patient and speak with the son to follow-up on how his care was going. This situation was very delicate and embarrassing for the patient's son. Jill and the staff of the ICU handled the situation with professionalism and tact.