Back Office Testing

I am not sure how it works in other areas of nursing, but in the emergency department, we run several back office tests like rapid strep, urinalysis (UA) and pregnancy tests. I have had a few UA’s which were positive for urinary tract infections, but otherwise, all of my back office tests have been negative until yesterday.

Last night I had a positive pregnancy test. I really wasn’t expecting it to be positive. The patient was a 12 year old girl with hip pain. Usually, a pregnancy test on a teenage girl is just a formality. You don’t really expect it, but you have to rule it out. Maybe a positive test on an older teen, but a 12 year old? I had to confirm that I was seeing what I was seeing. Were there really two lines? Maybe I should repeat it. Apparently the family had the same thought. We collected another sample, and indeed, it was positive again.

It was difficult to gauge the family’s reaction. They seemed happy enough, but there was just the slightest under current of tension. As the nurse in the situation, I had a difficult line to tread. It was obvious I knew the score, but I needed to remain unbiased and neutral in my reaction and interaction. I tried to strike a balance. I did not want to get too serious, but yet a joking manner did not seem appropriate. I tried to engage the patient in light conversation while gathering the needed information. Trying to let her know that I was on her side and not judging.

I guess this case was just a much more dramatic presentation of what I strive for as a nurse with every patient. My patients need to know that I am on their side and that I do not judge the situation they find themselves in. My job is to care for my patients. Not just physically. Yes, I apply bandages, but I would hope that I also apply emotional bandages. I believe healing involves more than the physical. By expressing my concern for all of my patients and their families, maybe I am sowing the seeds of healing.