Katherine Teske, BSN, RN

My son was brought to the Emergency Department because he became lethargic, difficult to wake, and vomited multiple times while we were outside at a baseball game in extreme heat. While caring for him, this nurse performed a thorough assessment and noticed that his abdomen appeared unusually distended. This wasn't why we came to the ER, but she took the time to assess him completely and listen to my concerns as his mother. I explained that I had been concerned about his abdomen for some time, but felt that previous concerns had been brushed off. Instead of dismissing us, she took it seriously and advocated for further evaluation. Because of her attentiveness and assessment skills, my son received an abdominal X-ray that revealed a significant stool burden throughout his colon. This led to a referral to Gastroenterology, additional testing, and a treatment plan that we likely would not have received that day had she not recognized that something else needed attention.​

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Kat helped my daughter avoid being admitted to the hospital for a third NG tube cleanout for her most recent bout of severe constipation. She was firm but kind with my daughter, and she was very open about her own neurodivergence and sensory struggles.