This week I got thrown out to the wolves! By Friday I felt like a dietitian! I gained a lot of confidence with this clinical stuff because I got to work independently and at my own pace. Each day I would get a list of 4-6 patients with a variety of problems. Some were assessments, some were follow-ups, and some I had to give nutrition education to. I had some patients that had difficult nutrition problems...for example I did my mini-case study on a man that was admitted with hepatotoxicity (liver damage related to alcohol overdose) and hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood). Here is the story: 46 year old male who has had alcohol abuse for 30 years, lives at home with his wife and 6 kids. He owns a landscaping company and used to fight in warehouses for money. He lives on his couch and drinks 1.75 liters of whiskey ever other day to prevent withdrawal symptoms. He hasn't left the couch or his house since October. He hasn't eaten solid food for three months, but does drink smoothies with raw eggs daily. He frequently falls and has mini seizures. He was admitted due to a fall that gashed his forehead. Interesting huh? It was great experience. I also got to attend my first 'rounds'. That is when the doctor, social worker, case manager, dietitian, nurses, insurance person, and a few others walk around patient's room to talk about how the patient is progressing. Since these were ICU rounds there were several patients on tube feedings which a dietitian plays a huge role in.
Friday I went to Humperdinks with intern, Megan to have dinner and some beers and to chat about our rotations and life. On Saturday I went with her to go boot shopping in Denton. Then we went for a walk in the woods on some paths and had some deeeelishous delicious Thai food for lunch. Saturday evening I had a blast babysitting for my internship director's twins! Sunday I went to intern, Kristin's house to watch the BIG game! GO PACKERS! YAY! The Packers are coming to visit me in Dallas for the SUPER BOWL!!! ......If anyone would like to find me a ticket, I would gladly go and represent Wisconsin.
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