Thursday, July 17, 2008

SAY WHAT?

A 70 plus year old Chinese uncle with throat cancer & depression was seen at the Psychiatric clinic not long after he was discharged from the Oncology Ward. He was noted to have frequent vomiting, poor oral intake & generalised body weakness. The Psychiatric doctor who saw the patient decided to admit him to the Oncology Ward.

At Grand Ward Round the next day, the staff nurse-in-charge presented the case to the Consultant & his team, comprising of specialists, medical officers & other medical personnel.

Everyone was awaken (especially those who were sleeping/ falling asleep) when the staff nurse said, “This patient has oropharyngeal carcinoma & he is admitted for sterilization.”

The Psychiatric doctor had written the plan as “to admit patient for stabilization” & the nurse had read it wrongly.

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