Donna Stone, RN, was taking care of a critically ill patient and also had a particularly heavy assignment. Even through all of the hustle and bustle, she noticed the patient's family member had a large area near her right groin (the patient was in a wheelchair). Donna inquired because the family member said it was sore and she said she had a cardiac catheterization days prior. Donna encouraged her to go to the ER as this could be a complication. The lady agreed. She had our nurse tech take her down to the ER. The lady ended up in our unit hours later diagnosed with a bleeding hematuria and pseudoaneurysm requiring blood transfusions and support.
I believe Donna saved this woman's life! What an astute nurse to be so busy with her critically ill patients but still managed to notice this and act appropriately!