Fish odor syndrome? Trimethylaminuria patient in my unit?!
Question: first one I've seen in over 25 years as a RN. Urinalysis is being done as i type. What is the proper treatment/etiquette since even part of the hall smells like rotten fish?
Answers: first one I've seen in over 25 years as a RN. Urinalysis is being done as i type. What is the proper treatment/etiquette since even part of the hall smells like rotten fish?
This must be very hard for you and the other nurses, but think how hard it is for the patient. Usually they are depressed because of lack of friends, lack of social situations.
Usually the gene FMo3 breaks down the trimethylaminuria, but in cases like this it is unable to. The condition is inherited.
Try to be as pleasant as you can around this patient, he/she, does not often get anyone, who does anything but show how much they hate to be taking care of the patient.
I am surprised that one of the Doctors has not prescribed Metronidazole. Metronidazole in low doses can cause rapid disappearance of the odor. Say 250 mg tablet or 1/2 of a 375 mg capsule daily for ten days. Patients who take Metronidazole say it tastes terrible, but usually they are able to tolerate it if you open the capsule, and sprinkle it on half a grapefruit.
Hope this helps, for your sake as well as the patients.