bigredrn57

Call the doc with VS. Tell him about the patient's pain and/or lack of BM and bowel sounds, any abdominal distention. I would also ask for permission to place an NG to low intermittent suction before the patient perforates. It sounds like an ileus. While you're at it ask for an abdominal CT with contrast. This happened to a patient of mine not too long ago. I had to fight with the doc to get an NG order. The patient drained 9000 cc of gastric fluid in about 20 minutes. Before hand she had been vomiting all day. When I came on just one whiff was all it took. She was barfing stool. She said I saved her life. Be good to yourself.

It is an air leak. I would take the dressing down and ensure it is patent and leave the patient on wall suction. The latest information I've read said not to use vaseline impregnated gauze around the chest tube, and only to tape the dressing on three sides to prevent crepitus. There is also some debate on whether the air leak will resolve better with or without suction. Sometimes though this is doctor specific. Some do some don't. It's best to call.

Really? Where do you find the time? I have a full team of five CABG's. I am primary and I am charge.

If you know so much. What are you doing here? I can't help people that won't help themselves

A lot of guys gravitate to critical care areas. I don't care if a nurse is gay or not, just do your job and be professional. When someone asks me, I tell them I'm not that sweet. As far as ADN vs. BSN. I have found the ADN usually have spent more time in clinicals. Their bedside manner and skills reflect this. Be good to yourself