Hospital clinical week 1- day 2

yesterday, I had a 36yr M pt that I found very intriguing. He had a few things going on with him that, for me, were good research. I couldn't access much of his records yesterday because the clinical teacher that had the code for us, was absent, until today. So today I get to look at his past medical history and found out he is an HIV positive pt. This explains quite a few signs he was exhibiting. Now his T-cell count is at 300, so I asked the instructor what the normal range is...she gave me homework. I have to do a report on HIV t-cell, etc. etc. That's what I get for asking questions. Oh well...it's all a learning experience.

My other pt, they suctioned her trach today, I got to assist with that and after assessing her skin integrity, I gave her a lotion massage on her legs and feet...she slept for quite awhile after that. It felt good to do something as simple and calming as that, for her. She is the nonverbal pt, but the way she was looking at me, I could tell she was appreciative.

So it's back to class tomorrow and a test on Nutrition chapters 1 & 2, I better hit the books, because i don't remember a thing from that lecture.