The Missing Link

015. Stay Away

The following day was another whirlwind of activity. Zane finally secured a position at the hospital, with his shift starting at six in the evening and running until midnight.

Meanwhile, Raine had her first day of teaching graduate students pursuing their Master’s in Science Education. Her class was scheduled from five to eight in the evening.

Time ticked on within St. Luke’s Hospital, a place alive with the hum of purposeful movement, where each worker played a distinct role in the intricate system of care.

The hospital bustled with activity across its three floors, though the patient count in the third floor’s east wing was noticeably lower. This quieter wing had fewer occupied rooms, and it was here that Zane Nuñez had been assigned to check on patients.

In one of the doctors' offices, Zane and Sarah Perez, the experienced nurse he'd be working with, listened intently to Dr. Jacob Dizon, a seasoned doctor in his forties.

“Our first patient tonight is a twenty-eight-year-old man," Dr. Dizon began. "Thankfully, he’s not one of those serial killer cases we've been hearing about, so let’s hope for a straightforward night.” He glanced down at the chart. “His medication needs to be administered every eight hours.”

“Excuse me, Doctor, but I’m not sure the medication is effective,” Sarah interjected. Her five years at the hospital lent her a certain confidence in assessing treatments.

Zane took in the exchange, absorbing each detail. Sarah’s concern was evident, her seasoned instincts prompting her to push for answers, while Dr. Dizon appeared equally resolute.

“We’re considering adjusting the dosage or even exploring a new line of treatment,” Dr. Dizon continued, his gaze shifting between the two nurses. “In the meantime, it’s critical to monitor him closely, especially during your shift, Zane. Any change, no matter how subtle, needs to be recorded.”

Zane nodded. “Understood, Doctor. I’ll keep a close eye on him and report any unusual signs immediately.”

“Good. Let’s see if we can finally make some headway,” said the doctor.

"Understood, Doctor. We’ll keep you informed," Zane replied, his earlier hesitation replaced by quiet resolve.

“Thank you. Stay vigilant, both of you, especially with any changes in vital signs or reactions to the treatment,” Dr. Dizon instructed. “I’ll check in tomorrow after the new test results come through.”

The two nurses nodded. “Understood, sir. We’ll make sure he’s comfortable and keep you updated,” Sarah answered.

Dr. Dizon stood up, glancing at them both with appreciation. “Good,” he said. “Let’s make sure we’re prepared in case he needs more care than we initially anticipated.”

"Shall we review Mrs. Lasala's file before we attend to her?" Sarah suggested. "Her room's next door, and I thought we could check her records."

"Let's see—she was admitted for respiratory inspection, wasn't she?" the doctor asked.

"Yes, she arrived last night," Sarah replied. "She's on oxygen. Initial tests were inconclusive, but when I checked her four hours ago, she was alert and responsive."

“Hmm, perhaps we should consider a scan to rule out anything serious. Has she mentioned any prior conditions?” Dr. Dizon asked.

“Only asthma from a few years ago. She's had it since childhood, but nothing major. She also has type 2 diabetes, and I’m wondering if that could be a factor,” Sarah replied.

“It could be,” Dr. Dizon said. “Let’s conduct a thorough examination and ask about her lifestyle. Often, it’s the small details patients overlook.”