A hello and a few questions

Hi,

Glad to have found this site! I'm currently about to apply for the nursing program, and if all goes as plans, will be going on to get my NP eventually. I have a feeling this site is going to be a great resource!

Right now I'm also a patient. I've got MRSA and it's gone systemic, so I'm in the hospital with an IV drip of Vancomyacin. The hospital is pretty busy right now and I've got a few questions.

1. The iv site, which has been in since yesterday afternoon is getting very itchy, red and is swelling a bit. I read something about looking for return. I'm assuming this means that when you press it, the white area becomes red again quickly? If so, there is good return, but it's also tender. Is this just my body getting annoyed at having a foreign object inserted, or should I be looking for someone to talk to? It's been busy enough here that my night nurse, who clocked on at 7 still hasn't been to see me, and it's almost midnight now.

2. This one needs a bit of background I think. I had an abscess under my arm, part of which probably burst open into the tissue. I now have cellulitis down to my elbow. Yesterday they outlined the cellulitis, and then again that night. I've since had two doses of Vancomyacin (if I'm spelling that wrong, I'm sorry) at 250 ml each. The swelling has retreated in some areas, however, it's also gone beyond both pen marks in others. Does this mean the infection is still spreading?

3. I had an ultrasound this morning to determine if there was still fluid under the hard mass in my armpit, and if there was I was going to need an I&D. The doc said I would probably have that done tomorrow morning. If that happens, what are the odds of me being released the same day? I know that I need to stay if my blood indicates that I still need a drip, but if I can go to pill form, will they allow me to leave if I agree to sign a waiver? Hospital stays aren't the cheapest thing in the world for those of us without insurance!

That's all that I think can be answered by someone not here, the rest of my questions are specific to here, but I appreciate any and all input! Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately, most of your questions fall into the field of "medical advice", which is strictly not allowed here. As to your question regarding "return", this refers to blood flowing back into the IV cannula when the infusion bag is lowered, which indicates patency. Absence of return may mean that either the cannula is blocked or that the fluids are flowing into the surrounding tissues.. From your description, I think you should show your nurse that IV site. What you describe as "return" refers to capillary return, which we use to check blood supply to a region.

The rest of your post is strictly in your physician's domain; I sincerely hope they get on top of this infection quickly. Make sure you eat well so as to improve your resistance. Get well soon. Love, Christine. :)

Guess I should have read the rules first! I apologize for asking inappropriate questions. I can hear my nurse in the room across the hall from me now. It's giving me hope that I'm next. I'm hoping that since she's taking her time in each room, it indicates time taken with each patient to answer questions. =-)

No need to apologize! Keep us posted, I for one would love to hear how you're getting on.

wishing you a speedy recovery.

i hope you tell/ask your nurse and md about all this. they would be the ones to give you the best advice because they know all your medical history.

also please use your call bell to let your nurse know of any out of the norm signs & symptoms.

angel, rn

Apparently the med I'm on is rough on the entrance site, and she moved the iv to the other hand for this dose. She was also very patient and answered all my questions as best as she was able. About half of them are going to have to wait for a doc tomorrow though =-)