Kayla Jones was working in the PACU and caring for her 67-year-old patient who was recovering from a Robotic Prostatectomy. He arrived at 1020 and by 1053, Kayla informed anesthesia that the patient was complaining of left calf pain. The anesthesiologist was not too concerned. However, based on Kayla's concern, he ordered a doppler of the patient's pulses. Kayla continued her assessment and promptly notified both the anesthesiologist and the surgeon that the DP pulse was absent. Both physicians were involved in another case and were actively discussing the situation and determining what actions to take. Meanwhile, Kayla continued to escalate her concerns and based on her prompt notification and escalation, neurology was consulted and at the patient's bedside at 1159. Based on the assessments of the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and neurologist, the etiology of the patient's symptoms was determined to likely be the result of vascular insufficiency. An additional surgical consult was obtained, and the patient was transported to the IR department at 1250. Ultimately, the patient was transferred to OHH at 1416 for an emergent revascularization.
Upon further reflection of these events, one provider commented that the more experienced PACU nurses had said that they likely would not have been as insistent as Kayla was. The anesthesiologist stated, "Kayla was the MVP in a very critical patient situation".