Graeme returned to surgery today to reroute his recently installed feeding tube. While the nurse that brought him back to the room said the operation went well, she also said she gave Graeme some Demerol for projected pain. He was unconscious, unresponsive and barely breathing, unlike the first time when he came back talking and alert, complaining of a little stomach pain. The room nurse didn't pick up on this and jusr increased his 02 support. When I questions his low breathing rate and heart rate on the monitor, she just replied it was from the drugs. I told her his co2 levels were probably too high since he wasn't breathing nearly as quickly as befor and hi heart rat was 0 points below when he went to surgery. She finally called the attending doc who ordered a blood gas test and asked the rapid response team to stand byjust in case. Well, before anyone responded the doc called a Code and they had to try and hurriedly intubate Graeme to try to get rid of the co2 in his lungs as well as give him some Narcan to counteract the effect of the narcotics hew was given. This was exactly the scenario we came to this hospital to avoid. He did become more responsive and was moved to ICU where it will be touch and go tonight with ventilator and doctor support. The doc in ICU is recommending a trache tube at this time since there is already a good viable airway establed form the intubation.This will get the tube out of his mouth and his throatand allow a direct vent hookup.
I'm beginning to think several people dropped the ball on this one, from the surgeon who didn't get the feeding tube installed in a way that worked, to the recovery room nurse who gave too much Demerol without checking his condition, not just his weight and then his reaction to the medication, and to the room nurse who missed all the signs that Graeme was in distress until I told her to do something.
I am trying to be strong throughout what has become quite an ordeal. With God's will, Graeme will overcome this setback and begin to start accepting some nutrition and prolong his life.This whole situation has become very hard for us.
Thanks again fo rall your kind thought wishes and prayers.
Ric
