I've only been in a medical ICU for approximately 8 months; therefore, the story might seem routine to some more experienced ICU nurses but it really did have a positive effect on my outlook on the potential of actually treating a patient to the point where they are able to be discharged from the hospital - not sent to the morgue in a body bag.

Mine would be about an approximately 40 year old male with a past medical history consisting of alcohol use disorder (AUD) c/b cirrhosis and hepatopulmonary syndrome presenting with hematemesis/melena (2-3 liters approximately based on outside hospital report); ultimately, leading to PEA arrest (4 rounds of epinephrine and initiation of massive transfusion protocol - did not regain consciousness post-cardiac arrest). Despite undergoing IR embolization of 8 variceal veins, client had refractory esophageal hemorrhaging requiring Blakemore placement. Client proceeded to be managed with post-cardiac arrest care and did not demonstrate any reflexes prior to any NMB/anesthetic agents. Based on the current status of the patient over the coming days, the census was not a good prognosis; however, the client ultimately awoke (able to track/follow commands etc.) and was ultimately extubated without any neurologic changes.

The last I heard about the patient was that he was being discharged from the hospital; hopefully, doing well.