Patient with awareness

[Mana_Tangata]

What do you think of a patient who had a resting HR of 43, initial BP of 114/58 (athlete, no cardio probs) who was kept at about 120/60 and a HR of 65-83 for about 2 hours, and had intraoperative recall? The patient informed the surgeon of her low resting HR which caused alarms to go off during a previous procedure, but the surgeon never informed the anesthesiologist. Do you think it was a case of inadequate communication/care, or just bad luck?

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

Loisane:

Once again, very well said. It is one thing to make an uninformed statement like Dutchgirl did, but to try and argue to defend that statement is another. There is nothing like a non anesthesia provider trying to educate an anesthesia provider on anesthesia, and then cannot understand why they would illicit such a response like jkw's response.

I was not trying to defend anything only to explain how I came up with that info, that I didn't know anything and I was sorry. I've had enough of this. I didn't realize that I was on a anesthesia thread. I get your point. I'm gone.

[loisane]

I get your point. I'm gone.

I was afraid it would sound like I was trying to beat you over the head. I am sorry that my post did not convey the sincere kindness with which it was offered.

I am not in favor of limiting these discussions to only anesthesia professionals. Nurses spend way to much time in our very limited subspecialties. I am happy to engage with those outside of the profession. I encourage you to stay, and learn more about what we do.

loisane crna

[kmchugh]

First, to Loisane: Excellent responses to Dutchgirl. I don't think anyone here would suggest that only anesthesia providers should post here. However, it is always a good idea to know a little about your target audience. You expressed that better than I could have.

Next, to Mana Tangata: Please don't think I am angry with you, I'm not. Though I didn't care for how you initially presented your case to this board, I can understand why you chose to do it that way. None of what I wrote was in any way a suggestion that you should just be quiet about what happened. In fact, we (anesthesia providers) need to know that it happened. We need to know the circumstances of why it happened, if for no other reason than to try to figure ways to prevent it from happening in the future. And I strongly suggest that you consider counseling. Even though you may feel fine right now, this can lead to PTSD, and long term problems with depression and fear. You shouldn't have to live like that. You should be concerned with yourself, as well as the concern you expressed that this not happen to others. And yes, the hospital where this occurred, as well as your anesthesia provider, have some responsibility to assist you in getting this help. This isn't something you should deal with alone.

Kevin McHugh