AboutHillarie Speziale Expertise I can answer general questions about ICU care, the frequently used medications, procedures, and life supports. I can also explain many of the diagnoses and supportive measures used for patients with that particular illness. I am familiar with the infectious, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and gastric problems that can land you in the ICU. I can not tell you exactly how long the patient stay will be, diagnosis your symptoms, or tell you with any certainty that the care you (or your loved one) received was wrong. I can also answer career questions regarding RRT and RN fields. Please note: neurology is not a field I have a great deal of familiarity with..
Experience I have 17 yrs experience as a Respiratory Therapist, and 9 yrs as a critical care nurse. I am familiar with infectious, cardiac, respiratory, renal and gastric diagnoses that can land you in the ICU.
Education/Credentials Assoc. Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of science in psychiatric nurse practitioning.
Question Hi Hillarie,
My mother in law had to have emergency surgery on Dec.10th to remove her lower intestines and have an illeostomy. She went into septic shock and had multiple organ failure. She was given 5 pints of blood and later treated with xigris. She is still on the ventilator and receiving dialysis daily. She is non responsive, an EEG was done yesterday and we don't have the results. My question is how long can she stay on the ventilator and in this state? They've been talking about removing the ventilator and possibly putting in a tracheotomy. It's been 15 days and she's never really come around.
Thank you in advance for your opinion,
Lori
Answer Hi Lori,
So sorry to hear your mother in law is ill. It is troubling that she has not responded at all over the past 15days. I take it she's been off all sedation for a few days, long enough for it to have been metabolized out?
Generally physicians look to have a tracheostomy placed after 2 wks on the ventilator. This is to prevent tracheal malacia, a weakening in the tracheal wall secondary to the trauma of having the endotracheal tube in place. It is a very quick procedure, and in some circumstances can even be done at bedside. The tracheostomy can make weaning easier for patients.
Patients can remain on the ventilator a long time; indefinitely once a trach is placed. It is the complications that can occur that would limit this. On the ventilator, people are particularly susceptible to pneumonia, sinus infections and skin break down, to name but a few. The question becomes one of quality of life. The question to ask would be what would your mother in law have chosen if she were well enough to disucuss it with you. I would say the important part is honoring her wishes.
