A pediatric patient presented with a syncopal episode. The ED Physician did a workup and suspected a viral illness. The plan was to discharge the patient as she was stable. As Jona was about to discharge the patient, the patient's mother was on the phone with her 20-year-old daughter. The daughter was at home and told the mother she was feeling dizzy and lightheaded as well and felt as if she was going to pass out. Her mother came out to the nurses' station and told Jona that she was worried about her daughter at home and felt something was really wrong.
The mother told Jona the symptoms the older daughter was having. Jona used her nursing intuition and critical thinking to understand what was occurring at home. Jona asked the mother if the current patient and the daughter at home were both home when the syncopal episode occurred, and the answer was yes. Jona immediately told the mother to get everyone out of the house. Jona called paramedics and the fire department to the house for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Jona immediately collaborated with the MD about her concerns and the MD tested the patient finding an elevated COHgb level indicating CO poisoning.
The Fire Department called Jona noting CO levels up to 7000 next to the furnace. Jona called Red Cross and coordinated a place for the family to go and stay as they were not able to return to their home that night. Red Cross was able to get them a hotel in Lafayette and was able to give them assistance for a furnace repair.
Jona's quick thinking and excellent assessment skills prevented this family from a catastrophic event at Christmas. Jona saved the lives of many that day by being aware and listening. She lives the value of purpose, compassion, and excellence.