February 2019
Laura
Reinkensmeyer
,
RN
Intensive Care
SSM St. Mary's Southern Illinois
Mount Vernon
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

Laura's patient had no appetite and was being encouraged to eat. The patient finally admitted to having a dental problem that was causing her pain when she ate. Laura used to work for a local dentist so she called him, at home on a weekend, to see what could be done to help the patient. The dentist was unable to bring what was needed, so Laura asked what we could do with over-the-counter remedies and arranged for someone to go to a local pharmacy. Laura followed the dentist's advice and the patient stated her pain with eating was much improved.