A patient was admitted for a bowel obstruction and had some complications that led tothe patient developing ARDS.The patient was intubated 3 times and due to policy, if the patient fails the 3rd extubation, a trach is necessary.The family were very upset at this potential outcome because the patient was a very vibrant 80 something year old. He went to work with his son every morning at the fire department just to do the same workouts. Needless to say, the idea of him having a trach and potentially debilitating him and having long term complications was just not something the family wanted.
Tara was such an extraordinary advocate for the patient. When the doctor wanted to try to extubate him in the 3rd round, Tara stood her ground and told the doctor that the patient wasn't ready.She wanted the doctor to wait at least 12 hours, which could be the difference between a trach or not.The doctor could tell that Tara knew what she was talking about and listened to her.Because of Tara, the patient was extubated the next day, able to breathe on room air, and go back to his daily life. Without Tara by his side, his life would be a completely different outcome.