Wednesday, January 28, 2009

overseen in the ward: Peru

Yesterday a new (and long-awaited) sign was posted on the wall of the infectious disease/pulmonology wing stating: "No spitting on the walls. Thanks."

The sign did seem to have its intended effect.

Then this morning a new sign appeared. . .

"No spitting on the floors. Thanks."

overseen (smelled?) in the ward:Peru

Or. . . well, that´s one way to diagnose a vaginal infection.

Obstetrician sticks his (ungloved) fingers into a young woman´s vagina then holds his fingers in the air and dramatically yells for the "interno." The intern runs into the room, the fingers are thrust under his nose, he inhales deeply and announces "No, no infection." The OB smelled the fingers himself, seemed unsatisfied, and proceeded to obtain second opinions from everyone in the room, including me.

The conclusion was "no evidence of infection, evidence of poor hygiene."