Malpractice? Report or get over yourself?

[Inbetweenie993]

I observed something I can hardly believe and don't know what to do. My brother (I am his carer and he lives with me) has just had knee replacement operation. There has been washing regime to prevent MRSA. Head to foot for days. Went for last blood test before op, and nurse, after putting cotton wool on the site, taped it down with some plaster on a reel (like sellotape). SHE BIT IT OFF with her teeth !!!! I can barely believe what I saw, but I'm SURE. He is still in hospital. Reluctant to report in case there are repercussions. AIBU ? Get over it ? YANBU This is outrageous- report it???

Flipping heck, I've totally misread where the bloods were done lol, sorry about that!! I know OP said she is her brothers carer, so possible he has other underlying conditions that could be exacerbated by infection & maybe the reason she's so upset.

I had to reread the op a couple of times @Planetbippop because it does seem a bit weird to focus on this detail when he’s now had major surgery and is recovering?

Fair point though we don’t know what db’s situation is and it must be a stressful time as his sole carer.

Another favourite place seems to be hanging the micropore 0roll off your id lanyard, the inside of the tape is clean but cotton wool shouldn't be used with the fibres, dont most places use those little rolls of hard cotton wool now or sterile gauze if its bled, blown or bruised. It's not going to be sterile even if it's cut up and hanging on a dressing trolley.

I know someone who almost died from MRSA following a knee replacement, honestly. You are not overreacting.

This is nonsense! relatives have very similar bacteria on their skin to start with, especially if born from the same birth canal - and there is presumably no deep puncture wound on the top of her brother's head!

This nurse put her saliva on the skin of a patient, close to a deep puncture. How can anyone possibly think that is ok? if she had covid, he now mostly likely does too, or flu, or colds, or measles, or whooping cough, or glandular fever or any number of other things she could potentially be carrying.

You can keep repeating the words “deep puncture” if you want to infer a patient has an open wound after a venipuncture procedure. They don’t and the chances of infection from a piece of non sterile tape touching the skin are negligible.

Most of the viral infections you have listed are airborne.

Infection risk is high after open surgery and it does sound as though op has had no issue with her db’s after care. The ward are taking infection control seriously by the sounds of it.

No one on here has condoned biting a piece of tape which is used to secure a small dressing.
It would probably help to mention it on the ward particularly if op is still concerned and wants to discuss it.

I don’t think it’s helpful for an already anxious op to be told her brother will get seriously ill or “nearly die” because non sterile tape was stuck on an unbroken area of his skin a week before he had surgery.

they don't need to be airborne if someone licks your skin!

I trained as a nurse and this is definitely not ok. I would report, but if you don't want to get the person in trouble don't give much detail. Just say someone used they teeth to cut medical tape. That would hopefully be enough for the ward manager to tell everyone that it is not OK.

No one should be ripping tape with their teeth! The tape itself isn’t an issue but no one should be ripping it with their teeth - that is ridiculous.

Thanks everyone- I was over reacting. I won't be complaining, I should have said something there and then, if at all. I guess I'm just a bit overprotective and finding it hard to see my big brother so darned vulnerable. I love him to bits and new (and not very good at!) adjusting to being his carer. Thanks again.

I understand op and wish your brother a good recovery. My dad had a knee replacement last summer and although it was tough and painful it’s massively improved his life.

Seeing poor hygiene practice probably shook your faith in his care I do get that

Really appreciate that SmileyClaire. Honestly not a drama queen! Xx