James received a new admission patient from the ER in the afternoon.The patient was experiencing labored breathing on an oxygen nasalcannula02.The patient was breathing at 30 to 40 breaths per minute.About an hour later James notified the hospital intensives and placed the patient on a Bi-pap to help with his breathing.
James was very concerned and stayed in the patient's room the entire time.Five hours later James paged the house doctor because the respirationswere50 to 60 breaths per minute.He was in and outof the room paging the MD by then and he stated to a co-worker that he thought the patientshould be intubated.James phoned the house physician who presented to the unit.James informed the MD of the concerns regarding the patient's breathing.
The MD stated another physician already assessed the patient earlier that day.James continued to insist that the MD just put eyes on the patient.At this time, the patient's respirations were up to 60 breaths per minute and experiencing more distress.The MD entered the patient's room and quickly came out of the room with an order to intubate the patient.A moment after the order was received anesthesia was in the room intubating the patient, whose respirationswerenow 70 bpm.After the patient was intubated and vital signs were stable you could tell James was relieved that his patient was no longer in distress.
James Smith, RN stayed by the patient's bedside, determined and stepped up as his patient's advocate.James exemplifies compassion and goes leaps and bounds to care for and protect his patients.