I work on a cardiac floor, where the majority of the patients are on cardiac monitors. Occasionally we have off-service patients, and consequently off-service doctors. I was caring for a trauma patient with an abdominal bleed that was requiring numerous dressing changes. I notified the off-service physicians, and asked that they come and evaluate the patient and the wound. The resident and a med-student come to see the patient.
Not long after the two walk into the patients room the med-student approaches me with a roll of paper tape used to print rhythm strips. He asks me a simple question. “Is this pressure tape?” The man was holding a roll of paper!! Trying to hold back my laughter I kindly told the inexperienced med-student that I would get the roll of tape for him. I couldn’t bear to let the poor man know his huge blunder!