Donna Penner - 44 year old female experiencing abdominal pain from an unknown origin and heavy bleeding during her period. Having exploratory surgery to investigate possible source of pain.
Initial Assessment
What do you think is going on with this patient?
(everyone to answer)
Initial Assessment ( ~3 min)
Surgeon notices that the patient is in distress and asks anesthesiologist what is wrong ...
nurse responds that the anesthesiologist is not present ...
Donna Awake
Review Assessment
Share what you are most concerned about.
(everyone to answer)
Review Assessment ( ~3 min)
Anesthesiologist returns ... injects patient ...
surgery continues
Still Awake but paralyzed
Donna's Story
Summary:
Donna was awake but paralyzed during her exploratory surgery in 2008.
Donna felt every incision, every movement, but more terrifying, unable to let anyone know she was awake and feeling everything.
Team Debrief
What can our team learn from this case to improve the care in a similar situation?
