Day 32

Neurology interpreted the EEG results as very positive. They disagreed with the techs findings that there may be a problem at risk for seizure; instead, they think that small area is common for patients who have been in ICU this long. They will continue to follow her but they said they were very pleased with the findings. They hope to have her off of the phenobarbital by Monday which will help decrease her sleepiness. They will increase her Keppra to compensate.

Emerson's atelectasis has significantly decreased as her xray looks remarkably clearer. This is attributed to the increase in her ventilator minimum support. Her tidal volume was increased and her peek pressure was also increased from very low to low. Her chest Physical therapy (CPT) is only done when awake or at the request of her attending nurse. Last night, while awake, CPT got a bunch of junk out of her lungs.

In an effort to further reduce her edema, they are giving her albumin and lasiks. She is less edematous in her face, arms, hands, legs and feet. She looks more and more like herself. Because she responds so well they watch her potassium and sodium levels to adjust her TPN.

We are probably three to five days away for another extubation attempt, although that could change as things progress. She needs to have reduced swelling in her belly (don't we all), improved lung preformance and be more alert.