Another CT scan was done Saturday morning to see how the ventricles were looking. Based on the results of the scan, the EVD was clamped, which meant that no fluid would be drained out of Collin's head. By challenging the drain, he could be observed to see if the CSF started draining better as the swelling in the brain decreased. If he started to get into trouble again, they could quickly open the drain and let fluid out. The CT scan also showed a small epidural hematoma (a pocket of blood and air) at the sight the drain was placed; it was expected to resolve on it's own. Another CT scan would be done in a few days to monitor how things were going.
A nasal swab is performed every seven days to check for MRSA, or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, a bacterial infection that is highly resistant to antibiotics. Collin's second swab came back positive for it. It is considered colonized at this time, which means it is not an active infection, but now any staff working with him has to wear gowns and gloves, which they remove when they are done working with Collin, so they don't spread it to another patient. It may also mean that he'll need to be treated for it when he starts chemo so that when his immune system is compromised he doesn't end up with an active infection that would put him at risk.
The results of the other cultures sent Friday came back; Collin now had ecoli in his urine. A foley catheter had been placed to collect urine for 24 hours to get a baseline kidney function assessment before the chemotherapy starts. Anytime a catheter is placed, it introduces bacteria in to the urinary tract, which can cause a urinary tract infection. So, he was started on an antibiotic to treat his urinary tract infection.
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