The story begins with a 21-year-old college student named JC who is admitted to the emergency room with appendicitis. She undergoes a successful surgery but develops a life-threatening infection, septicemia, due to a MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria that she contracted through her IV site.
The infection was likely caused by a series of preventable events, including a nurse who didn't wash her hands after coming into contact with an infected patient's daughter, and a medical student who didn't speak up when he noticed something was wrong with JC's IV site.
As JC's condition worsens, she is moved to the ICU and put on a ventilator. Her organs begin to shut down, and her chances of survival decrease. The medical team eventually identifies the source of the infection and administers a broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat the MRSA.
The story highlights the importance of handwashing and proper infection control measures in hospitals. It also emphasizes the need for medical professionals to speak up when they notice something is wrong and to take a closer look at patients who are under their care.
Fortunately, JC is able to clear her infection and recover fully. The story ends with a message about the importance of handwashing and taking care of oneself, as well as a warning about the dangers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A 21-year-old woman named JC was admitted to the emergency room with appendicitis.
2. JC's boyfriend, Jake, drove her to the emergency room.
3. A CT scan confirmed that JC's appendix was about to burst.
4. JC underwent an appendectomy, and the operation was successful.
5. After the surgery, JC developed a fever and her condition worsened.
6. A medical student noticed that JC's IV site was swollen and red, but the attending physician dismissed his concerns.
7. JC's condition continued to deteriorate, and she was eventually moved to the intensive care unit (ICU).
8. JC's blood pressure dropped, and she developed septic shock.
9. The cause of JC's septic shock was a MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection.
10. The MRSA infection was likely caused by the bacteria being transmitted to JC through her IV site.
11. The infection was preventable if proper hand-washing and hygiene protocols had been followed.
12. The medical team treated JC with antibiotics and fluid resuscitation.
13. JC's heart rate and blood pressure were stabilized with the help of medication.
14. JC's organs began to shut down due to the lack of blood flow and oxygen.
15. The medical team used a broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat the MRSA infection.
16. JC's condition improved, and she was able to clear the infection.
17. JC's organs fully recovered, and she was able to be discharged from the hospital.
18. The incident highlights the importance of proper hand-washing and hygiene protocols in hospitals to prevent the spread of infections.
19. The incident also highlights the importance of speaking up and reporting concerns, as the medical student did, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
20. The incident cost the hospital between $100,000 to $500,000 to treat.