Longer Isolation Time

 Brian remains stable and following a similar pattern as yesterday. When his sedation is lowered, he can follow basic commands of moving his hands and feet, squeezing a nurse's hand, and releasing it. It was, however, decided that Brian will likely stay in isolation a bit longer. Blood culture was taken on May 22nd and today, there was an indication of possible bacteria. At this point, they are not sure if it was due to the sample being contaminated by an outside source or if there is in fact a possible bacterial infection. The doctor said they need more time for the culture to develop before they can determine the source. To be on the safe side, they immediately reinstated administering antibiotics to Brian and will keep him in isolation until they know he is safe. While I was at the hospital on Sunday, doctors had already discussed removing a picc line from his groin area and placing a more long-term one in his arm. Due to the concern of a bacterial infection, they decided to remove the picc line and wait a few days before putting the new one in. The fewer things going inside Brian's body, the less risk of sources of infection. I asked about a change in his body temperature if there was an actual infection. It was explained that the ECMO machine can sometimes mask a rise in body temperature. As the ECMO machine pulls blood from Brian's body to filter out the carbon dioxide and filter in oxygen-rich blood, it tends to filter in the blood at a normal body temperature, thus, it becomes more challenging to pick up on a natural rise in body temperature. The best course of action at this time is to assume he has an infection and treat him accordingly.