Jacquie provided exemplary care to a post-surgical patient. This patient arrived to the PACU following surgery. Once she had fully awakened she began experiencing severe pain. This pain remained unresolved despite being treated with narcotics, muscle relaxants, positioning and time. Jacquie remained persistent in keeping both the anesthesiologist and surgeon updated on the patient's unrelenting high level of pain. Jacquie also diligently kept the family updated on the course of events occurring in the PACU. She provided reassurance and information to the patient and family as it was obtained. Jacquie continued to update the physicians and was quick to notify them when the patient's pain became worse and she had an increase in temperature. At this point in time, an MRI was ordered and Jacquie made multiple phone calls in order to get her patient to MRI quickly. The results of the MRI showed that the patient had a microbleed to the surgical area and the surgeon decided it was necessary for the patient to return to the OR. Following the MRI, Jacquie continued to work closely with her patient to try to improve her pain control as she waited in the PACU to return to OR. After discussing pain options with the patient they made the decision to try Morphine which had worked for the patient during her prior surgery. The patient finally had some pain relief prior to returning to the OR. Jacquie also made sure the patient's family was kept well informed and they were updated by the surgeon about the planned course of action.
It was because Jacquie took the time to really listen to this patient's history and pain complaints that she was able to discern that the patient was experiencing unusual symptoms and identified that these symptoms might require additional intervention. In the PACU we see patients experiencing severe pain on a daily basis; it can become easy to see pain as a "normal" post-op condition. However, Jacquie is passionate about making sure her patient's pain is addressed, she spends time asking patients specific questions and is persistent in keeping physicians updated. This is the way she cares for every patient. Jacquie made a significant difference with this patient and was able to ensure she received the care she required before she left the PACU. Thank you, Jacquie, for providing this patient with your full attention and giving her the care she and every patient in Penrose PACU deserves.