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Question about clinicals problem
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Posted about 5 years ago I feel stupid to be studying nursing and have to ask this question but it has really been bothering me. I was at my OB clinicals and observing a birth. The doctor asked me to grab a pillow off the bed because it was in her way. So I did. But when I picked it up I dodn't notice there was amniotic fluid on it and it got on my bare hands. Should I be concerned about catching anything. I had a small cut on my thumb but it was on the outer side of my hand. I should of been more observant but I mad a mistake. I would think that OB nurses do occasionally comein contact withamniotic fluid. Should I be worried. Thanks |
191 posts back to top |
| Posted about 5 years ago Did you report it to you clinical supervisor? Amniotic fluid is still bodily fluid. Did the Dr. or any of the other personnel notice? If so, I would hope that they knew whether or not the mother had any kind of communicable disease. Hang in there.....you might try always keeping a pair of gloves in your pocket "just in case"...that's what I do!! LOL!!! Stacie |
3156 posts back to top |
| Posted about 5 years ago Anytime anything is going on with a patient you should wear gloves. Even getting them up to go to the bathroom I always put on gloves. Actually it's a policy where I work if you have any kind of contact with the patient or even think you may, you should have gloves on, b/c you never know what will happen. You should let your clinical supervisor know what happen. Any time we have an exposure, the person exposed is tested for HIV and then we get consent form the patient to be tested also. Of course it may be too late to test the mother, if this happened a while back. She has probaly already been discharged. Anytime you are expose to any kind of body fluid you should let someone know immediately. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago You should notify your instructor as well. There is usually a reporting process for exposures in the nursing schools. Of course, she may be upset with you for 1) not wearing gloves, and 2) not telling her about it (if you didn't tell her), but she does need to know. You need to report the incident to the hospital as well. You will need the usual Blood Borne Pathogens screening. They can get the chart and check risk factors for Mom, including STD testing if she got pre-natal care. You may get the screening from the hospital (they should offer it to you), or somewhere else. Your instructor will know. However, don't beat yourself up about it. Treat it as a learning experience: you probably won't ever forget it! :D |
