My Medical Skills Give Me Experience Points Chapter 1388 551: Took the Medicine to the Wrong Place, Refusing to Eat—Newborn Baby (Part 2)

All things transiently fade away.

The sole gratification lies in successfully curing a patient's ailment.

"Very well, then I shall depart!"

Ultimately, Zhou Can elected not to reveal that Brother Wei's visit was precipitated by liver distress. He opted for lighthearted banter, letting the matter slide with a smile.

It is imperative to shield adults from the direct exposure of their frailties or shortcomings; causing a loss of face is a profound taboo.

Mere minutes later, he reached the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within the pediatric ward without incident.

Director Tang Fei, Director Zhuang, and Director Le, all from Cardiothoracic Surgery, anxiously awaited his arrival. Despite the roster of distinguished directors present, they found themselves powerless in the face of the newborn's critical state.

Following a brief exchange of courtesies, Zhou Can immediately addressed the core issue.

"What is the current status of the patient?"

"The situation is exceedingly grave. The primary symptom is a complete refusal to eat; the infant has barely consumed any fluids for three days. Respiration is labored, its cries are feeble, akin to a mosquito's whine, and its complexion is entirely ashen. Should no remedy be found today, I fear the child faces imminent peril."

Director Tang Fei articulated the grim circumstances, a palpable urgency coloring her expression.

For her, the patient's demise would not carry significant personal repercussions.

Yet, her anxiety mirrored that of the child's parents, a testament to her commendable sense of duty.

From her description, the rapid decline appears not to stem from cardiac distress, but rather from the refusal to feed.

Zhou Can, having dedicated over two years to pediatric practice, had amassed substantial experience in clinical diagnostics.

A multitude of factors can lead to an infant's refusal to eat, with respiratory difficulties being among the most prevalent causes.

Following birth, infants instinctively latch on to feed from their mothers, an innate survival mechanism ingrained in humanity.

However, the act of suckling demands considerable effort, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties. If manual feeding is employed, one of the infant's nasal passages might inadvertently become obstructed by the caregiver's body during the feeding process.

In such scenarios, they are compelled to rely on a single nostril for respiration, rendering the process even more arduous.

Driven by an instinct for self-preservation, these infants may opt to maintain a state of less strenuous breathing, subsequently developing an aversion to feeding.

Within the maternity wards, instances of newborns refusing nourishment shortly after birth are a common occurrence.

Even when presented with formula, they may stubbornly refuse to drink.

At this juncture, heightened vigilance is paramount, as infants who abstain from food for more than a day are frequently unwell. Mothers and their families should refrain from hesitating due to cost concerns or minimizing the situation, nor should they conceal the truth from medical professionals.

The reality in contemporary urban hospitals is that patients are typically discharged within two days post-delivery.

Doctors and nurses, often inundated with patient care, may not meticulously observe feeding patterns, relying instead on cursory inquiries with family members and the mother for information. This reliance creates potential risks when family members omit crucial details from the medical team.

Zhou Can had encountered such families during his pediatric consultations.

They would present an infant, merely days old, in a state of severe lethargy with desiccated lips. When questioned about feeding habits, the family members offered evasive and vague responses.

Upon examination, it was revealed that the infant was already teetering on the brink of life.

Faced with such ignorance, one could only inwardly lament the potential loss of a vibrant young life due to a lack of understanding.

Within the hospital setting, even if a newborn refuses to feed, prompt reporting to medical staff opens avenues for intervention, such as the administration of direct intravenous nutrition.

In the Neonatal ICU, some premature infants weigh mere hundreds of grams at birth, appearing no larger than frogs.

Through diligent care and the dedicated attention of the medical staff, those in stable condition often achieve a weight gain of three to four kilograms within a month, typically maturing into typical newborns by then.

"Director Tang, following your discussions with the other directors, what is your presumed diagnosis for the condition?"

Zhou Can posed this question while perusing the patient's medical records and seeking the consensus reached by the assembled specialists.

His absence from the prior expert deliberations necessitated this inquiry.

The diagnosis of intricate medical cases frequently necessitates the synergy of collective insight and collaborative effort.

"Our current diagnosis points towards heart failure, yet there is no agreement on the precise underlying cause."

The process of diagnosing an illness, by synthesizing symptoms, diverse test results, and accumulated experience, is not the most formidable challenge.

Unraveling the root cause of the ailment is where the true difficulty lies.

Heart failure can arise from numerous causes, ranging from an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) and congenital heart defects to more peculiar situations, such as the one meticulously resolved by Zhou Can recently, where atrophy of the calf muscles precipitated heart failure.

A newborn's physical constitution is inherently far more delicate than that of an adult.

A multitude of diagnostic examinations readily applicable to adults cannot be safely employed for infants.

Furthermore, adult patients possess the capacity to articulate their discomfort and symptoms with clarity.

However, infants are incapable of verbalizing their distress, capable at best of emitting a few cries.

"Where is the patient currently located?"

"In room number 7. I shall escort you there immediately!"

Despite her demanding responsibilities and esteemed position as the chief director of the pediatric department, Director Tang Fei personally guided Zhou Can, driven by both her respect for him and her profound concern for this particular patient.

Tang Fei led Zhou Can into the neonatal intensive care unit.

Upon entering, the third bed was occupied by a woman who had recently given birth, a postpartum recovery band encircling her forehead.

In many traditions, postpartum recovery is regarded with great importance, predicated on the belief that a woman's bones become more susceptible and relaxed following childbirth.

It is widely believed that tightly binding the head with a band assists in the body's postnatal recuperation.

Conversely, neglecting this practice is thought to potentially lead to persistent headaches.

Though this conviction lacks a scientific foundation, the wisdom passed down through generations is largely heeded, with many opting for caution and embracing postpartum recovery rituals and various care practices.

These often include prohibitions against exposure to cold water, bathing, and washing hair, among other restrictions...

A plethora of traditional taboos.

The mother, appearing to be in her early twenties, was tenderly cradling her infant, attempting to offer some water.

Regrettably, the baby exhibited strong resistance, refusing to open his mouth or vigorously pushing the nipple away.

Upon the entrance of a medical team into the ward, the mother and her family displayed a degree of reservedness.

The family then stood, offering the most comfortable seating area.

"Is the baby still refusing to take any fluids?"

Director Tang Fei inquired with evident concern as she approached.

"Yes! We are perplexed as to why he steadfastly refuses water, consistently and forcefully rejecting the nipple every time." The mother articulated her deep worry.

The ephemeral joy of new motherhood was already overshadowed by the infant's peculiar behavior, which caused her considerable distress.

For an adult, three days without sustenance or hydration would invariably lead to severe debilitation.

This is especially true for a newborn.

"This physician is a highly regarded specialist within our pediatric department, Dr. Zhou Can. He possesses exceptional expertise in pediatrics and cardiothoracic surgery, among other disciplines, and has been specifically requested for this consultation in the hope of uncovering the root cause of the child's ailment."

Director Tang Fei formally introduced Zhou Can to the family.

Demonstrated proficiency across multiple medical fields undeniably confers a significant advantage.

For instance, consider the scenario where Zhou Can, despite his youthful appearance, brings the promise of a diagnosis for the infant, while other attending physicians remain perplexed, highlighting his capability.

"Thank you, thank you all! Dr. Zhou, please attend to our baby with utmost care!"

The mother reiterated her profound gratitude to the medical professionals.

"Might I be permitted to hold the infant?"

Zhou Can made the request.

"Certainly, certainly!"

The mother gently transferred the baby into Zhou Can's arms.

The family observed from the side, noting the doctor's remarkably young age. However, the fact that such a young physician was introduced with such prominence among seasoned doctors suggested extraordinary skill.

"Whimper... whimper..."

Held by an unfamiliar individual, the baby opened his weary eyes and emitted a cry of fright.

However, his cries were exceedingly faint.

Resembling the plaintive call of a tiny kitten.

Zhou Can was already meticulously examining the child, scrutinizing his nasal passages, oral cavity, complexion, and other vital indicators.

"Has he been without milk or water for an extended period?"

"From birth until this moment, he has refused to drink. His lips are parched, and at most, he will accept only one or two sips before pushing the nipple away." The mother responded, her heart heavy with anguish.