CHAPTER 4: Critical Moments and Heartfelt Conditions

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Me and the team continue to stabilize Mr. Lee in Trauma Bay 1. Dr. Kim, the cardiologist, enters the room.

(Dr. Kim is assessing the situation.) "What's the status?"

"Doc, we have a 54-year-old male, Mr. Lee, presenting with a possible myocardial infraction. The blood pressure has stabilized at 100/70, and the pulse is still weak but improving. We have administered aspirin and started an IV line," I informed Dr. Kim.

Dr. Kim nodded, "Good work. Let's get him prepared for an angiogram. We need to check for any blockages and be ready for a possible stent placement."

Eujin adjusting the IV: "All set, Doc. Vitals are holding steady for now."

"Tae Young, can you inform the family about the procedure? I'll need to consult with them before we proceed," Dr. Kim informed.

[Tae exits Trauma Bay 1 and approaches Jeon, who is anxiously waiting in the family area.]

"Jeon, I have some updates. The cardiologist, Dr. Kim, wants to perform an angiogram to check for any blockages in your father's arteries. This procedure will help us determine if a stent is necessary to restore proper blood flow to his heart."

"Is it dangerous?" Jeon spoke nervously.

"I can reassure you. It's a common procedure and relatively safe. However, it's important for us to act quickly to minimize any damage to his heart. Dr. Kim will come and speak with you in more detail about the risks and benefits," I told Jeon.

Jeon takes a deep breath and says, "Okay. Whatever it takes to help him. Thank you, Tae Young."

I warmly smiled. "You're welcome, Jeon. You're doing great. I'll bring Dr. Kim over now."

[Nurse Tae Young returns to Trauma Bay 1 to fetch Doctor Kim, who then heads to the family area to speak with Jiho.]

"Mr. Jeon, as Nurse Tae Young mentioned, your father needs an angiogram. This will allow us to determine whether there are any blockages in his coronary arteries. If we find any, we may need to place a stent to keep the artery open," Dr. Kim explains to Jeon.

"I understand. Please, do whatever you need to save him."

Dr. Kim nods. "We'll take care of him. The procedure should take about an hour. We'll keep you updated throughout. In the meantime, try to stay calm and wait here."

"Thank you, Doc."

Doctor Kim returns to Trauma Bay 1 to start the preparations. [Nurse Tae Young stays with Jiho for a moment longer, sensing his need for reassurance.]

I tried to comfort Jeon. "Jeon, you're doing everything you can by being here for your father. We'll do our best, I promise. If you need anything, even just to talk, I'll be here for you."

Jeon, looking into my eyes, said, "Thank you, Tae Young. I really appreciate it."

I gave him a comforting smile before heading back to Trauma Bay 1 to assist with the procedure. The team is working very hard, preparing Mr. Lee for the angiogram.

"His vitals are still stable. He's holding on," Nurse Eujin informs.

Hye said in preparing the angiogram equipment, "We're ready on our end."

Dr. Kim is focused. "Let's begin."

The team proceeds with the angiogram, working diligently to identify and address any blockages. Meanwhile, Jeon waits anxiously in the family area, his mind racing with worry and hope.

After what felt like an eternity, I returned to Jeon with an update.

"Jeon, the angiogram is complete. We found a significant blockage in one of his coronary arteries and placed a stent to restore blood flow. He's in recovery now, and we'll monitor him closely over the next 24 hours."

"Is he going to be, okay?" Jeon seemed to be relieved but still anxious.

"The procedure went well, and his vitals are stable. We'll keep a close eye on him, but things are looking positive. You can see him once he's settled in the ICU." I replied to him with a smile.

Tears of relief filled Jeon's eyes. "Thank you so much, Tae Young. Thank you for everything."

Jeon proceeded to lean on me and hug me tight.

"Oh my god, is this really happening!? " I could feel the warmth of his big arms wrapping around my shoulders. It feels like I'm hugging a giant teddy bear.

Jeon suddenly let goes, "O-oh, I'm sorry. I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable or anything. It's just that. I'm glad that my father is doing well now."

I spoke to him with a soft voice, "It's fine; I like warm hugs. You're welcome, Jeon. He's a fighter, and so are you. Hang in there, alright?"


[To be continued.]

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