lisa gougis, BSN, RN

As nurses, we do many things to make our patients' stay comfortable. I encountered a patient who did not have any family in this area. Our unit is equipped with a washer and dryer, so, our staff would offer to do their laundry if there was no family available. This client had no family nearby, so the staff would wash his clothing. While doing my assessment I notice him scratching and a rash covering his body. The doctor was notified and medication was ordered. The rash would disappear and re-appear after his clothes were washed. I sat down in his room and asked him what brand of washing powder does he normally used and he replied Purex. The next day prior to coming to work, I stopped at the store and purchased a box of Purex washing powder for him. I re-washed all his clothing with Purex and that was the last of the rash. He was extremely grateful.