Baby Eagan - NICU Day 55 - Eagan hates lines.

He is holding my pinky. He almost can fit his hand around it now.

Size comparison

  Eagan could not have a line cooperate for anything. He had several PICC line attempts by the best PICC nurse out there. The unit jokes that she could get one in with a bow and arrow. My child would feel the need to show her up. Several tries, but no dice. Fortunately, he tolerated this wonderfully. The plan is to continue to use IVs and wait a few days before trying again. The doctors don't feel like he is quite ready to go downstairs for his upper GI study, so he will get it sometime later this week. They are going to stay put on the ventilator for a while, but hope to be extubated possibly by then end of this week or beginning of next week. But, I am not holding my breath (no pun intended), because this is Eagan and he does NOT like following the plan.

Weight
3 lbs 13.5 oz - Down half an ounce, but that is better than more swelling!

Length
16" 

Breathing
Eagan is on the conventional ventilator. His settings are at 20 breaths per minute. His oxygen rate has been around 25%. The pressure that the ventilator puts in his lungs is at 24. Also, he has fluid in his lungs so he is getting Atrovent breathing treatments every six hours. 

Vitals
Eagan's blood pressure was perfect today!

Vein and Artery Access
Eagan has an internal jugular line that was placed in surgery. Only one of the two lumens is usable now.

The arterial line is in his head.

 

Eagan has an IV in his head.

Medications

An antibiotic, Ancef, is given once a day.

Hydrocortisone, for blood pressure and stress response, is up to 3 mg.
 

His Morphine drip is up to .15 mg per hour.

Caffeine has been started as a diuretic to try to speed up his kidney function.

Albumen and Lasix will be given once every 12 hours to help get the fluid out of his tissue.

He is also on Diflucan as a preventative measure.

Eagan also is back on the Synthroid for low thyroid.  

 

He is also on Zantac to help calm his tummy's acid levels since he isn't eating.

Nutrition
Eagan's only sources of nutrition right now are his TPN fluids and lipis

Output

Lots of pee and a little poop today.

Transfusions 

June 2 - Transfusion #25

Upcoming Tests

The upper GI study was moved to later this week. This is to determine if the duodenum tear is closed and if feedings can be started. Eagan has not had any milk about a month. I am sure he will appreciate a full belly!

Another eye exam to check on the severity of his retinopathy of prematurity will be in less than two weeks.