19th Feb 2024 while on night duty, I received a 3 years old baby boy known as Peter with high temperatures, difficulty in breathing and irritating cough. His mother explained that this condition begun four days back and she took him to a nearby health facility.After 2 two days without any improvement, the medics referred her to KIDA Hospital.
Vital observations were done; and results showed that Temperature 39.4oc, SPO2-78%, RR-66 breaths/min, MRDT was negative. Peter had sever bronchopneumonia.Oxygen therapy was connected, antibiotics given and antipyretics to reduce the temperatures.
We kept on monitoring his breathing, however he wasn’t improving, the irritating cough was still present and he became unstable.We called Doctor in to review the baby. After his review, He opted for nebulization with plain normal saline because the baby’s chest was too bad.Nebulization was done, after some minutes improvement was noted. Antibiotics were given and nebulization continued until greater improvement was noted.
After 2 days, Peter was able to sit up on his bed, able to eat and drink fluids without irritating cough. When breathing had stabilized other antibiotics were prescribed.
On the third day, Peter was discharged in a good condition.Peter’s mother appreciated all heath workers for diagnosing and treating her son in time. I appreciate KIDA administration for providing us with necessary equipment to use on ward like oxygen cylinders.
Story written by Orishaba Annet-Nursing Officer- KIDA Hospital.