63 Strangers (1/2)
Dr. Jim reported to the hospital earlier today. He was on deck as the physician - on - duty the previous day so there were four patients admitted under his service. Jia,as usual,graced his day with her love and care by preparing an early meal, as well as all that he needed,before dropping him off.
It did not take him long to see his three, out of four,patients. They just had lighter cases such as essential hypertension and stable angina. After starting a beta - blockeron one,a calcium - channel blocker and nitrates on the other, he thought he could now be focused on the rest of his tasks for the whole shift.
Yet,the fourth gave him a headache. A case of a dilated cardiomyopathy,a 30 year -old -male, still single,was admitted due to his complaints of breathing difficulty. Upon assessment, his blood pressure was way below the normal lower limit,heart rate soaring up, respirations shallow and fast and oxygen saturation getting low. He could never even lie down on a high back rest or move comfortably with his swelling, lower extremities.
After giving orders to the nurse who assisted him and writing his orders in the chart, he stayed with the patient long enough to observe him. Stat orders like diuretics, digoxin and direct - acting inotropic agent was immediately started. He wasattached to a cardiac monitor, a facemask with rebreather for his oxygen supplementation and three intravenous lines.
After some interviews, the patient finally admitted to methamphetamine use as well with some other types of dangerous and regulated injectables. Not only that,he escaped school and spent his days with his circle of friends drinking and playing cyber games.
He felt sorry for him. While others were working hard for a degree in education or specialization in a certain profession,he was just wasting his chances for a good future.
When he saw that he was becoming stable,he went directly to cardiology unit to read stacks of ECG tracings. He then proceeded to viewing echo slides for interpretation.
Having a little headache due to prolonged staring,he stood up to relax. He drew back a curtain by the window,and looked outside while tapping numbers on his phone.
Jia answered him and her laughters lightened up his mood. They talked for a while before asking her to talk toJian.
Dr. Grace came in and glanced at him. Seeing that he was on the phone, she looked for something to work on near enough to eavesdrop in his conversation.
”Daddy, why do you have to always leave so early? ” Jian's childish voice waved through the line.
”Iam sorry,son,but daddy has to work.” Jim answered in a sweet tone.
”You don't love me anymore.”Jian's complaint sent amusement to his heart that he laughed.
”Of course,I love my son, soooo much. I'm gonna make it up to you next time. Did you have breakfast? ”
”Yeah.”
”That's good! By the way,what does my baby want? ”
Jian was the darling of his life. His cute and childish ways brought happiness to his heart. And listening to him as he talked about insensible things always made him go easy on his stressful days.
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