Chapter 19 - The daily routine in the emergency department

Chapter 19: The daily routine in the emergency departmentIn the hospital, there was a belief among the medical staff in certain superstitions that were said to bring good luck or ward off misfortune during their shifts.

One such superstition was the belief in the “Night Shift God.” It involved a depiction of the god made from seven red apples, wearing a yogurt cap on the head, and closed eyes with a beard.

This symbolized a week of safe and peaceful nights, a healthy digestive system, and the absence of illness.

While some may view these superstitions as feudal or irrational, many doctors and nurses held a strong belief in them.

Those who adhered to these beliefs felt that it brought them good luck and a sense of tranquility during their night shifts.

Conversely, those who dismissed or ignored these superstitions often found themselves facing challenging cases or feeling exhausted throughout the night.

Another superstition mentioned was the notion of the “fortune-delivering child.” Some medical staff seemed to have a knack for attracting patients with serious illnesses during their shifts.

This earned them the reputation of being a “fortune-delivering child” among their colleagues, who would approach their shifts with a mix of fear and trepidation.

Additionally, the term “Setting a Flag” was mentioned, but its specific meaning or context was not provided. It could refer to another superstition or belief held by the medical staff within the hospital.

Overall, these superstitions and beliefs served as a way for the medical staff to find some comfort, reassurance, and camaraderie amidst the demanding and unpredictable nature of their work.

During his days at the hospital, Lin Feng followed the advice to not make promises lightly.

He kept his thoughts to himself and refrained from speaking them out loud, understanding that reality could swiftly contradict him and present challenging situations that required hard work and effort.

The mention of “Snacks” during night shifts referred to the common practice of healthcare professionals indulging in some snacks to keep their energy levels up.

However, even in choosing snacks, there were specific considerations based on superstitions. Eating peaches or drinking peach juice, hanging peachwood decorations, or consuming apples and pears were seen as favorable choices, symbolizing the desire to avoid difficult situations.

On the other hand, mangoes were considered an absolute taboo due to the belief that they would bring about a busy and chaotic shift.

Even if a patient insisted on giving a healthcare professional a mango, it was advised to refuse, even if it meant potentially facing a confrontation.

In the hospital, Lin Feng continued to maintain a low profile and diligently fulfilled his responsibilities, signing in for his shifts and focusing on his work without drawing unnecessary attention.

[Ding… 122nd-day check-in, rewarded with “World-class Liver Abscess Drainage Experience”!].[Ding… 123rd-day check-in, rewarded with “World-class Biliary Redo Surgery Experience”!].[Ding… 124th-day check-in, rewarded with “World-class Left and Right Hemiliver Resection Experience”!].[Ding… 125th-day check-in, rewarded with “World-class Left Lateral Segmentectomy Experience”!].[Ding… 126th-day check-in, rewarded with “World-class Radical Resection of Various Intestinal Cancers Experience”!].

Day by day, Lin Feng continued to make progress, finding joy in each new experience.

The check-ins rewarded him with prestigious titles and recognition for his expertise in different surgical procedures.

From mastering liver abscess drainage to successfully performing biliary redo surgeries, liver resections, left lateral segmentectomies, and radical resections of various intestinal cancers, Lin Feng’s repertoire of skills grew steadily.

Lin Feng’s commitment to learning and self-improvement was evident in his constant presence with a book in hand.

Whether he was devouring books or delving into medical journals and renowned works from around the world, Lin Feng dedicated himself to expanding his knowledge.

His immersion in the world of medicine allowed him to not only gain expertise but also learn various languages along the way.

This linguistic prowess enabled him to comprehend and appreciate the complex terminology found in medical papers that might intimidate others.

Lin Feng’s relentless pursuit of knowledge, coupled with his enthusiasm for the medical field, contributed to his continuous growth as a healthcare professional.

Each day brought new experiences and opportunities for him to excel, solidifying his passion for the field and driving him to achieve greater heights.

The life of an intern can indeed feel monotonous and socially limited, as they spend most of their time within the hospital premises.

Work, studying, playing games, and joking around become the primary activities in their daily routine. They may also find amusement in mocking medical dramas that prioritize romantic relationships over providing accurate medical knowledge.

Such shows often contain common-sense mistakes and oversights that healthcare professionals would not overlook.

For instance, adhering to aseptic procedures is crucial during tasks like administering injections or changing dressings.

Wearing a hat and a mask is necessary to minimize the risk of contamination, as the hands and mouth harbor numerous bacteria.

It can be frustrating to observe healthcare workers wearing their work uniforms outside of designated areas, potentially contaminating the environment, food, and others with their attire.

These common- sense issues can be disheartening to witness, particularly for individuals with obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

It is important to differentiate between medical dramas, which are often youth dramas and love stories, and professional dramas that focus on accurate medical knowledge.

As a new day begins, Lin Feng heads to work and encounters a situation where a nurse inside the emergency department scolds Dr. Huang Ziqian.

“Why are you late again? The patients have been waiting for you for a long time,” the nurse scolds Huang Ziqian as he apologizes for his delay due to a stomachache.

However, at that moment, Lin Feng enters the emergency room and is accepted by a gentle smile from the nurse.

The nurse offers Lin Feng a glass of soy milk and asks if he has had breakfast, leaving Huang Ziqian feeling resentful.

He questions the nurse, expressing his dissatisfaction with the difference in treatment between himself and Lin Feng.

In response, the nurse glares at him and playfully suggests that Lin Feng’s looks are more favorable than Huang Ziqian’s, leading to snickers in the room.

Dr. Huang Ziqian feels a sense of defeat, as if his heart has been repeatedly stabbed. It becomes apparent that he is at a disadvantage in comparison to Lin Feng.

Lin Feng, on the other hand, laughs off the comment and graciously declines the offer of soy milk, stating that he has already eaten breakfast.

Huang Ziqian, unable to suppress his hunger, expresses his desire for soy milk, hoping to satiate his appetite.

The nurse, looking disdainful, reluctantly hands over the soy milk to him. With gratitude, Huang Ziqian happily takes a sip, finding comfort in the warm sweetness that flows down his throat.

However, his moment of satisfaction is short-lived as the nurse demands 5 yuan as payment for the soy milk. Huang Ziqian is taken aback by the unexpected request for money, feeling frustrated by the additional cost.

Meanwhile, Lin Feng remains composed and accustomed to the relaxed atmosphere of the emergency department.

He proceeds with his routine, seeking out his supervising doctor, Zhang Fan, before returning to the consultation room to activate the calling system.

The first patients to arrive are a father and son, marking the beginning of another busy day in the emergency department.

Lin Feng listens attentively as the father shares his medical history. He takes note of the critical details and prepares to ask further questions to gather more information.

“I understand that you had a sudden episode of right lower abdominal pain four months ago, which was diagnosed as appendicitis, leading to the removal of your appendix,” Lin Feng summarizes.

“Since then, you have been experiencing recurring pain in the same area every ten days. Is that correct?”

He continues, “Can you describe the pain in more detail? How would you characterize its intensity?

Is it a sharp, stabbing pain or more of a dull ache? Does the pain worsen with any specific activities or movements? And how long does each episode of pain typically last?”

Lin Feng’s goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s symptoms, their duration, and any associated factors.

This information will assist him in formulating a preliminary assessment and determining the appropriate next steps in diagnosing and managing the condition.

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