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- Dec 5, 2010
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So, a few patient encounters had me grossed out recently (ex. examining a patient's foot when they had a pretty bad fungal infection + toe jam + a bunch of dead skin, palpating axillary lymph nodes in a patient who probably hadn't bathed in weeks, LE neuro exam on a patient who had episodes of explosive diarrhea with residual fecal matter all over their legs) and I was wondering if you guys use gloves for these types of situations. I didn't use gloves for any of the above mentioned encounters - I performed these exams in front of attendings and was honestly "afraid" to put on any gloves or even suggest it, b/c I haven't seen attendings use gloves except for rectals/ pelvics. I know that not every patient encounter is going to be pristine, but some things gross me out more than others and I'd prefer to use gloves in some situations if it's acceptable. Is it okay to use gloves when examining these patients? Will it offend the patients? Will it look unprofessional to the residents and attendings?
Am I just being a germophobe? What are your guys experiences?
Am I just being a germophobe? What are your guys experiences?