D Update #12: Temperature 102
Dondra's started running a temp tonight (102). Blood cultures have been drawn, as well as a urine specimen taken to lab. We're thinking atelectasis, but no chest x ray has been ordered as of yet.
Atelectasis sets in when a post-operatve patient doesn't cough or deep breathe with the aid of incentive spirometry. It sometimes happens when the patient is under general anesthesia and is being breathed through an endotracheal tube by the anesthesiologist. The patient avoids deep breathing afterward because of the pain at the operative aite. Pneumonia can be the result of atelectasis, sometimes referred to as "whiteout".
The blood cultures have to incubate, but the urine specimen might reveal a kidney infection. D's is very concentrated, even though she's been drinking clear liquids.
I sometimes wish I didn't remember so much about my days as an RT.
Thanks
Bill
Atelectasis sets in when a post-operatve patient doesn't cough or deep breathe with the aid of incentive spirometry. It sometimes happens when the patient is under general anesthesia and is being breathed through an endotracheal tube by the anesthesiologist. The patient avoids deep breathing afterward because of the pain at the operative aite. Pneumonia can be the result of atelectasis, sometimes referred to as "whiteout".
The blood cultures have to incubate, but the urine specimen might reveal a kidney infection. D's is very concentrated, even though she's been drinking clear liquids.
I sometimes wish I didn't remember so much about my days as an RT.
Thanks
Bill
Comments
Love and hugs to both of you, Becks
You're right, sometimes knowing about medicine might make things tougher-- they say doctors are the worst patients...
Hugs, bon courage,
Margaret