Sunday, May 05, 2013

Conversation during clinical

I'm at a computer, working on my nursing progress note of the day, when my partner approaches me...

Partner (looking down at her scut sheet): What's an MI again?

Me (trying to keep the disbelief from showing on my face or in my voice): A myocardial infarction...?

Partner: ...

Me (now unable to hide my incredulity): A heart attack?!

Partner (slapping her forehead with her palm): Oh, RIGHT! That makes sense, it says there was a metal stent placed. But why do I keep thinking "muscle"?

Me (in lecture mode): Because "myo" means "muscle"; the cardiac muscle is affected by a myocardial infarction...

Partner: Right, thanks...now I just have to look up what sennosides are...

Me: ...

I think I have a permanent bruise on my forehead from all the headdesking I've been doing.

8 comments:

Blondefabulous said...

I'm scared if that person ever graduates and works on real life patients!! (not me not me not me!)

Daddy Hawk said...

I second Blondefabulous. Please tell us they will fail her or suggest a different line of work.

Buck said...

I'll third Blondefabulous, too.

Old NFO said...

Fourth... sigh...

Aesop said...

Don't be ridiculous, folks.

That right there is a future clinical coordinator or education Clinical Nurse Specialist, in training.

If she works at it, she'll become a travelling healthcare/nursing consultant.

Christina RN LMT said...

Folks, I'm with Aesop on this one. I'm sure she'll graduate and do well in the future. Hopefully in a field with less patient contact!

Robert said...

Senno-what? Not in my Mosby's...

Christina RN LMT said...

Robert: it's called Senna, Ex-lax, or Senokot. It's a stimulant laxative and just about EVERY patient we've taken care of this semester has been taking it. We're on a post-surgical unit and those folks need some help with their elimination after all the anesthesia and bed-rest. So really, my partner should have known this after week one. Check out Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses, 13th edition, page 1142. :D