Good days and GE cases

Had a series of good days at work. We had a surge of GE (gastro-enteritis) cases for the past 2 weeks. GE cases are rather simple in their oral medications since most cannot take much orally. The main focus is to ensure their hydration e.g. with IV drips (with or without KCl added), monitoring their intake and output (vomiting, diarrhoea and any blood in stools). IV medications, if any, are usually antibiotics and the optional anti-emetics. The odd cases include bowel wash-out, daily weighing (for infants). Some have combination of diagnosis that include respiratory tract infection.

Learnt something from a consultant last week. He had a reputation for being a strict doctor and would monitor his patients' pulse and respiration himself when he reviews them, a full-minute for each vital sign. He happened to have a 8 month old infant with GE. He instructed the parents to keep a soiled diaper sample for his review. Upon looking at the soft greenish stool with light blood stains, he explained that the stool is typical of Salmonella infection.

For the past 2 days, the same staff were on duty with me. SSN Y was in-charge, SN L was the other team leader and SEN IV was the runner. The other runner was either SSN F (from the adjoining ward) or HCA K. Glad to have SSN Y and SN L around. They are really very supportive to colleagues. I am very lucky to be assigned SSN Y for preceptor-ship. SEN IV and SSN F were also very helpful as runners. HCA K is very experienced and effective at her work. Thus, I had a good time for the past 2 days.