July 2023
Lisa
Neal
,
BSN, RN
ICU
Atrium Health Mercy
Charlotte
,
NC
United States
The patient stated that she was scared, and Lisa held her hand. Whenever the patient expressed concern, Lisa stated that she was in the room and she was not going anywhere.
I observed her excellent patient care with an ICU Pt. The Pt had a lot of comorbidities including COPD and GI was concerned about the Pt. having an esophageal tear. The pulmonary team was trying to have this Pt undergo a barium swallow but was concerned about the Pt. aspirating. The pulmonary team asked me to evaluate this Pt. but I did not feel comfortable with her drinking thin liquids without a modified barium swallow study.
I talked with Lisa about bringing the Pt. down to radiology for her assessments. Lisa explained that this Pt was in an extreme amount of pain and her heart rate elevated with her level of anxiety. Lisa and I devised a plan to quickly move the pt. with the least number of transfers and providing the most comfort possible. Lisa requested medicine to help with the Pt's heart rate and asked another RN to send it via tube to radiology so that we could expedite the traveling process as quickly as possible.
Once we got to radiology, Lisa provided continuous care and encouragement to this Pt. The Pt stated that she was scared, and Lisa held her hand. Whenever the Pt expressed concern, Lisa stated that she was in the room and she was not going anywhere.
Lisa and I positioned and repositioned this Pt multiple times to obtain the best images for her MBS. Once we completed the test, the Pt needed to have the barium swallow as well. Lisa, the radiology staff, and I moved the Pt. to another room with fluoro so that the Pt would be more comfortable. Lisa kept this woman calm, moved her multiple times (putting in a lot of effort to keep her comfortable), propped her up with pillows and wedges, and put on a lead apron to be present during the Pt's barium swallow.
Once the evaluation as complete, Lisa helped the team move the Pt back into her bed and took the Pt upstairs. Transportation assistance was offered, but Lisa was too concerned about this lady's comfort and safety to wait for transportation.
I asked one of our exercise specialists to go up to ICU and help Lisa with this Pt. (I didn't want you to think we let Lisa completely fend for herself). Lisa is an absolute angel!
I talked with Lisa about bringing the Pt. down to radiology for her assessments. Lisa explained that this Pt was in an extreme amount of pain and her heart rate elevated with her level of anxiety. Lisa and I devised a plan to quickly move the pt. with the least number of transfers and providing the most comfort possible. Lisa requested medicine to help with the Pt's heart rate and asked another RN to send it via tube to radiology so that we could expedite the traveling process as quickly as possible.
Once we got to radiology, Lisa provided continuous care and encouragement to this Pt. The Pt stated that she was scared, and Lisa held her hand. Whenever the Pt expressed concern, Lisa stated that she was in the room and she was not going anywhere.
Lisa and I positioned and repositioned this Pt multiple times to obtain the best images for her MBS. Once we completed the test, the Pt needed to have the barium swallow as well. Lisa, the radiology staff, and I moved the Pt. to another room with fluoro so that the Pt would be more comfortable. Lisa kept this woman calm, moved her multiple times (putting in a lot of effort to keep her comfortable), propped her up with pillows and wedges, and put on a lead apron to be present during the Pt's barium swallow.
Once the evaluation as complete, Lisa helped the team move the Pt back into her bed and took the Pt upstairs. Transportation assistance was offered, but Lisa was too concerned about this lady's comfort and safety to wait for transportation.
I asked one of our exercise specialists to go up to ICU and help Lisa with this Pt. (I didn't want you to think we let Lisa completely fend for herself). Lisa is an absolute angel!