It's Nothing Personal Read Free

airway.   Next, Jenna listened to Michelle’s heart
and lungs, which sounded completely normal.
    After Jenna finished examining Michelle, she
said, “Now’s the time where we have to go through the risks associated with
anesthesia, and then I need to get you to sign the anesthesia consent.   Even though I have to tell you all the
things that could go wrong, I want to start by reassuring you that I do not
anticipate any problems.”
    Michelle sat up straight, signaling Jenna to
continue.
    “The most common complaints after surgery
are nausea, vomiting, pain, and a sore throat.   I will give you anti-nausea medication
to help prevent you from feeling sick and narcotics that will hopefully allow
you to wake up pain free.   However,
the nurses in the recovery room have more medicine, if you need it.   If you get a sore throat, lozenges help,
and it should resolve in a few days.”  
    Jenna paused for a moment.   She could see the glazed-over look in
Michelle’s eyes.   After giving
Michelle a moment to process the information, Jenna continued.  
    “It’s rare, but sometimes we can have
serious complications from anesthesia.   For this procedure, I have to intubate you, which means that I put a
breathing tube down your throat and into your windpipe while you’re
unconscious.   Then I use a
ventilator to help you breathe during the surgery.   That was why I looked in your mouth and
asked about your teeth.   Those
things help tell me if it should be easy or hard to get the tube in place.   Based on my assessment, your airway
looks very easy.   However, there is
a small chance that I could chip a tooth, cut your lip, or damage a vocal cord
while trying to place the tube.
    “There is also a possibility that you could
have an allergic reaction to any of the medicines that I give you.   If I see any indication that something
like that is happening, I have other medications in the room to treat you.
    “The most serious complication, and this is
true for any patient, any surgery, and any type of anesthesia, is a serious and
potentially life-threatening heart or lung complication.”  
    With the mention of the possibility of
death, Michelle Hollings clutched tightly to Bradley’s hand, but otherwise
maintained her composure.   From what
Jenna could tell, Bradley did his best to look interested and concerned, but
she also caught him checking his Blackberry several times.
    “Michelle,” Jenna asked, “do you have any
questions about the anesthesia or the risks?”
    “No.   I’m just ready to get on with it.   I’m looking forward to my new rack,” Michelle grinned.
    “Me too,” said Bradley, a bit overly
enthusiastic.
    With that, both Dr. Jenna Reiner and
Michelle Hollings signed the appropriate lines on the anesthesia consent
form.   Jenna left the room and ran
into Rebecca in the hallway.
    “Dr. Reiner,” said Rebecca, “Dr. Hoover just
got here.   She said she already got
surgical consent from the patient in her office yesterday, so she just needs to
pop in and say a quick hello.   Is
there anything you need, or are you okay if we head back to the operating room
in about five minutes?”
    Jenna was already halfway down the hallway.   She called back over her shoulder, “Just
make sure the patient takes out all her piercings and gets some Versed before
you come back.   Otherwise, I’m good,
and I’ll see you back there.   Thanks!”

 
    CHAPTER 3

 
    Jenna returned to her operating room to find
it unoccupied.   She found it odd
that Hillary was not scrubbed back in and standing watch over the surgical
equipment before the patient arrived.    A critical part of Hillary’s job
was to ensure the integrity of the sterile surgical instruments –
something that required her physical presence.
    Approaching her area at the head of the operating
room bed, Jenna opened the bottom drawer of the anesthesia cart and retrieved
her stockpile of drugs.   Each
syringe, with the exception of