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Post op rounds
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Post op rounds It is a problem with a simple resolution - water and more water. Dehydration in post operative patients is of serious concern to the Operation Rainbow team members. "Patients can become confused, disoriented and lethargic." said Dr. Joe Mazza, of Ft. Myers, Florida. And if not remedied, shock and renal failure can follow. It was with this in mind that the surgeons were concerned when they found two patients suffering from moderate dehydration Monday morning.
Rodrigo was glassy-eyed and feverish as was Jesus. Both children were limp and wimpering with pain. A misunderstanding about overnight intravenous infusions led to the two boys being taken off the IV's Sunday evening. "We like to leave the IV's in so that when we come to assess the patients that we have kept overnight we can see if they are dehydrated or in need of pain medications," Mazza said - adding that the fluids can be increased and pain medication can be administered in the drip with less discomfort to the patient. "Their throats are sore and it is difficult for them to swallow water or medication." Mazza continued, "In the United States we use machines that give precise measurements of fluids, but here it is more of a guess." Rodrigo was feeling much better after a hour or so of IV fluids and pain medication. Thanks to Operation Rainbow volunteer Kath Shrage's patience, Jesus was able to drink several ounces of water - minute quanities from a syringe just drops at a time. And then a real treat - grape juice for both boys. The surgeries are hard on the children but harder on the adults who watch their little ones suffer. But in looking at repaired faces, they can see it is all worthwhile.
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