Clinical Rotation: Administering Medication

        I was so eager to be able to administer medication for my patient last Thursday, however my son fell ill and I needed to nurse him instead.  I was able to be present at clinical on Friday.  Despite being busy or tired as a full-time student and a full-time mom, I must say that the experience as a mother is beneficial during clinical.  Having patience, empathy and being nurturing towards our patients is what they need, while still encouraging independence to do things on their own.  Since we only have one patient for now, it is a lot easier to give all our focus and concentration on that one person.   I observe or assist my fellow classmates with their patients as well, and look forward to being capable of handling more by the time we graduate.

 

        My patient is a stroke patient on tube-feeding through a peg.  She was persistent in asking to eat and drink early in the morning. I explained to her how she was receiving all her nutrients straight to her stomach.  I had to repeat myself, more than a dozen times, that she was restricted from having anything by mouth because she has trouble swallowing.  She did not understand why her medication was administered through the tube either.  We all want to prevent her from aspiration or pneumonia, until she passes her swallowing assessment test.  Her loss of short-term memory also prevents her from remembering whatever I have explained.  After breakfast, I bathed her in bed and groomed her afterwards.  Again, I find this part of the head to toe assessment fairly easy since I am always bathing a little one who cannot yet do so on his own.  I brushed her hair afterwards and did oral care.  My patient expressed how much she liked it because nobody brushes her hair.  I don’t know if she just doesn’t remember but I’m glad I did that little thing for her.  I asked was what colour of lipstick she used to wear – and she replied “red” and then laughed that she was an old lady now.  I handed her crossword puzzles after sitting her up in a chair and told her I would return to her in a little while.  Even though she is a ninety-three year old woman with a CVA, atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, I think about how I would want to be cared for, or how I want my mother or my sister to be treated like.   My compassion for her was given--- all before I even found out that she has no children, no family nor friends to visit.   I am looking forward to the following clinical day next Thursday.