Hospice Nurse and heroic measures?

Question

OK, so my grandpa has been at home with a hospice nurse for 6 months. He has Parkinsons.
Today, while the nurse was there, my grandpa began choking on a piece of doughnut.
The nurse did nothing stating that he wasn't suppose to do any heroic measures and that he could possibly crack my grandpa's ribs.

Thank God, my grandpa's body did the job itself!

Personally, I'd rather have a few broken ribs than to die while choking to death on a doughnut.

Now, what is considered heroic measures?

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Answer 1

That's insane! I used to be a CNA and I was even told to do whatever I could for any person I saw choking! I have attempted twice to save someone from choking, but I had to call in help because I am small, and couldn't do it as well as needed. Either way, that is ridiculous!!!

Answer 2

Dying is a process, it is not a single event. There are certain signs that a person has entered the dying stage, and this stage can last from a few hours to several weeks. The dying process also has 2 stages, the pre-active phase, and the active phase. During the pre-active phase, one might see things such as the person refusing food and fluid, confusion or agitation (terminal agitation this is called), an increase in sleepiness and drowsiness, a withdrawal from usual activities, the person stating they are dying, and the person expressing a desire to put their affairs in order. People can linger in this state for a long time, and appear to recover and rally for a period. The fact is, they are still dying, but there is no predicting how long a person will remain in this stage. The active dying phase is more easily identified, and includes the person becoming unconscious which includes the person suddenly becoming incontinent. There may be unusual breathing patterns, and there will be an inability for the person to clear secretions, which will result in rattly breathing. Your father has metastatic cancer and is under hospice care. Unfortunately, he is not getting better nor is he going to get better, but is just rallying temporarily. There is no saying how long he will remain in this state, and it can be quite upsetting for people when they have prepared themselves for the death of a loved one, who then suddenly appears to recover. This often gives false hope to people that things are improving, whereas in fact it is only a temporary thing. I am sorry you are going through this experience. Make the most of the fact that your dad is awake and talking, as this could change rapidly.

Answer 3

Heroic my .....
This nurse should be reported because #1 she is obviously not properly trained for if she was they would of told her what to do in such a situation. There is no way to break someone's ribs doing the Heimlech since this takes place above the navel below the ribs. You should think about reporting her since your grandfather could of died this way and his life would of been on her hands and her responsibility. God bless your grandfather.

Answer 4

I believe that nurse felt inadequate in his training,..he doesn't have to break a rib,to administer the Heimlich,since the concentration of force is to be focused on the victim's sternum.
I'm glad Grandpa"s alright!
Thank you for the birthday wish,that's very thoughtful of you,Sis!

Answer 5

The nurse seems to have been misinformed. I hope things go well for your Grandpa, starting with a better nurse.

Answer 6

You need to make a report right away. I used to work in an assisted living. Even if a person is a DNR, that only applies to certain things. Cardiac arrest. Choking is not one of them.I would report him.

Answer 7

I would definitely report this nurse. Heroic measures would have to do with if he went into cardiac arrest. In this case if your grandpa is a no code, then nothing would be done.

Answer 8

You can submit a complaint to the State Board of Nursing whatever state you are from, but I can tell you, there are so many grey areas to nursing. That one is a tough call. If she responded, she could get into trouble also.