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Medical professionals frequently encounter myths and misconceptions that can mislead people about their health. From IVs to organ donation, these myths can cause unnecessary fear or confusion. According to the report by Yahoo Below are some of the most common medical “lies” that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers wish people would stop believing.
- IV Myths: One persistent myth is about IVs. Many people think there’s a needle in their arm, but that’s not true. “When you have an IV site, there isn’t a needle in your arm. There is a tiny, flexible, plastic catheter, and it’s not going to tear through your veins and skin if you bend your elbow,” a medical professional clarified.
- Water Breaking in Labor: Movies and TV shows often depict dramatic scenes where a pregnant woman’s water breaks with a gush, but that’s rarely the case. “Your water breaking is RARELY like on TV. Most folks don’t wind up with a giant puddle,” explained one nurse. Even if it does break, it’s not always an emergency unless specific symptoms, like bleeding or abnormal fluid, occur.
- Side Effects vs. Allergies: Pharmacists urge patients not to confuse side effects with allergies. “Please don’t confuse side effects with allergies. Weight gain with prednisone is a side effect. Nausea and itching with codeine and morphine are side effects,” a pharmacist shared. This distinction is important for getting proper treatment and avoiding unnecessary complications.
- Organ Donation and Emergency Care: Some people believe that emergency teams will be less likely to save their lives if they are organ donors. A healthcare provider dismissed this, saying, “People believe ‘if you are an organ donor, emergency crews are less likely to save you…’ No. Stop it.”
- Wearing High Heels: Many people think wearing high heels is harmless, but doctors warn of the long-term effects. “Wearing high heels is not harmless and can lead to foot problems,” one healthcare worker cautioned.
- Health Information and HIPAA: Parents sometimes expect to be given health information about their adult children, but healthcare providers have to abide by HIPAA regulations. “Parents with kids over 18: No, I cannot give you health information on your child after they turn 18. It’s called HIPAA.”
- CPR and Resuscitation: TV shows often depict dramatic recoveries after CPR, but the reality is much grimmer. “If you’re clinically dead and are brought back to life, there’s a good chance you won’t last long afterward,” shared a trauma nurse.
- Masks Beyond COVID: Masks aren’t just for COVID. They are essential for preventing the spread of other highly transmissible illnesses. “We don’t care if you’ve tested negative for COVID; you could carry another virus, like strep or the flu,” said a clinical assistant.
These myths, from IV sites to organ donation, reveal how widespread misinformation can affect health decisions. Medical professionals emphasize the importance of getting accurate information and seeking multiple opinions when needed. told by Buzzfeed.
