THE ANTAGONIST [COMPLETED]

KABANATA 23

THE ANTAGONIST
TRILOGY 1
Written by: Cxhase

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KABANATA 23

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“Why does a baby need to stay here, dok?” Kaswal na tanong ni Allen sa katabing doktor habang nakahawak sa walang laman na incubator na nasa kanyang gilid.

“Well, there are various reasons due to which a newborn baby may need an incubator, Allen.” Sagot nito sa kanya.

“First common reason would be premature birth. When babies are born before the due date, they need additional time and a lot of extra care to develop their vital organs, including their lungs. Second, I guess it would be breathing issues. Some babies are born with lungs that contain fluid or meconium, which can lead to the inability to breathe, as well as lung infections, and hence need extra monitoring… Thirdly, hmm infection. Few newborn babies have low immunity, or are sick, hence are highly susceptible to infections. Incubators provide them with a protected space to keep them safe from germs and other infections.” Huminto na muna ito ng saglit upang huminga at makapag-isip.

“Traumatic delivery, if the mother had a traumatic delivery, then the newborn has also experienced trauma, and needs constant monitoring and additional care… Hmm, fifth?” Hindi siguradong tanong nito.

“Yes po, Dok.” Sagot agad ni Allen.

“Thanks. Fifth would be low birth weight, if the baby is born with low weight, then it lacks adequate body fat to keep itself warm. Last of the common reasons is surgery. Some newborn babies undergo surgery following their birth. So, they are kept in an incubator to recover from the surgery.” Pagtapos nito pagpapaliwanag nito.
Napapatango talaga si Allen habang taimtim na nakikinig sa mga sinasabi nito. Nang tingnan niya si Giovanni na nakaupo sa isang silya malapit sa pinto ay tumango lang ito sa kanya sabay bigay ng thumbs up. Ibig sabihin nakuha niya lahat ng nasabi ni Doctor Peter.

“What does this incubator do po, Dok?” Sunod na tanong ni Allen rito.

“Incubators are designed to provide a controlled environment for the babies to stay safe until their vital organs are developed. This self-contained unit provides controlled environmental conditions.” Mabilis na tugon nito saka ngumiti sa kanya pagkatapos.

‘Ang gwapo naman ng doktor nato.’ Hindi maiwasang puri ni Allen nang bumalandra sa kanya ang napakapoging ngiti ng doktor.

“Also, incubators protect the babies from infections, allergens, germs, and harmful risks of high light and sound. They are also used to administer various medical procedures such as feeding through an IV, delivering medications or blood, constant monitoring of vital functions, ventilating, and special lights to treat jaundice. So, an incubator not only provides a safe environment for the baby, but also helps medical professionals in treating and monitoring the baby.” Halatang halata talaga sa way ng pagsasalita ni Doctor Peter ang pagiging maalam niya sa mga tinatanong ni Allen sa kanya.
Kaya naman masyadong nagiging engrossed si Allen ns makinig rito. Plus kaaya aya ring tignan ito habang nagsasalita.

“Actually, there are several types of incubators, Allen.” Dagdag na sabi ng doktor.

“What are those types po, Dok?” Interesadong tanong ni Allen rito.

“There are three major types. Namely, closed, open and portable incubator.”

“What are their differences po?” Follow up na tanong niya rito.