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Bubble Gum? |
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A story published by the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority used a questionably named procedure to teach a patient safety lesson. The story concerned an order for a "bubble gum" enema. Unsure of what this was, the nurse caring for the patient gave him bubble gum to chew, which promptly adhered to the patient's dentures. This story raises two points. First, colloquial or slang terms for medical treatments should be avoided; a "bubble gum" enema should consist of equal parts mineral oil and docusate sodium. Secondly, the nurse should have spoken up and clarified the order, although it could have been worse; the patient did get the bubble gum orally. |
