Back to all Case Studies

Pneumonia discovered in a nursing home patient

A patient that is tube-fed starts running a small fever which is quickly detected by the BioLink system.

Patient Information

49 year-old female

Preexisting Conditions

CVA, G-Tube

Patient History

Must keep head at 30-45 degrees

Device Used

Smart Brief

A patient that is tube-fed starts running a small fever which is quickly detected by the BioLink system.
Timeline

12:20 PM

Prohibited position alert. Raised temperature alert above 97°F.

12:24 PM

Raised temperature alert above 99°F

12:45 PM

Bedside assessment completed. MD contacted. Diagnosis of Aspiration Pneumonia is received from MD. Suctioning procedure completed and patient started on antibiotics.

Summary

This case study by BioLink Systems demonstrates the pivotal role of advanced monitoring technology in the early detection and management of pneumonia in elderly patients. The subject is a 49-year-old female nursing home resident with a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and a G-Tube, who must keep her head elevated at a 30-45 degree angle.

The BioLink system provided crucial alerts that led to the timely diagnosis and treatment of aspiration pneumonia. The patient initially received a 'Prohibited Position Alert', followed by successive raised temperature alerts, escalating from above 97°F to above 99°F. These alerts prompted a swift bedside assessment by the nursing staff and subsequent consultation with a medical doctor (MD). The diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia was quickly established, and the patient was immediately started on antibiotics after a necessary suctioning procedure.

This case illustrates the effectiveness of the BioLink system in providing rapid and accurate health alerts, crucial in a high-risk patient with complex care needs. The timely detection and response to the raised temperature alerts not only allowed for the immediate commencement of appropriate treatment but also prevented potential hospitalization, showcasing how advanced technology can significantly enhance patient care and outcomes in nursing home environments.

Diagnosis

Aspiration Pneumonia

Alerts Received

Raised Temperature, Prohibited Postion