maddie silva, BSN, RN

The patient was intubated, sedated and a new paraplegic. There was no family around. The patient was alone, scared, and his vital signs reflected that. Vital signs are often the only window we have to a sedated patient's feelings. They help us to know if they are anxious/fearful. Maddie paused all sedation for the patient, got close enough to the patient so he could hear and see her speak while holding his hand with hers and patting him on the shoulder. She relayed every piece of info the MD had just delivered. After she would finish a sentence, she would ask "do you understand?" and then "are you okay with that?" You physically see the man relax and all vital signs return to normal. She took extra time to go above and beyond to make sure her patient had all the care he needed.