Chapter 233: Turbulence in the Operating Room

Zhou Can, Yu Xin, and Duan Zifu are actually rivals.

Normally, he isn’t obligated to help her solve the problem.

Every man for himself.

Helping a competitor is essentially harming oneself.

“If I can’t assist, that’s alright. The patient’s sudden abdominal pain and complex condition are beyond what we trainees can diagnose—it’s perfectly normal,” Dr. Zhou explained.

Although she comes off as aloof, her competence is undeniable.

Maybe to her, Zhou Can simply doesn’t want to help, but she chose not to expose that.

Instead, she offered him a graceful way out.

“After the morning meeting, I’ll check on the patient in the ward. Right now, merely listing a few symptoms isn’t enough for a proper diagnosis. A rushed diagnosis is irresponsible,” she said.

Zhou Can replied in a firm tone.

“Thanks!”

She said no more as the three of them headed into the conference room.

At the department’s morning meeting, chief physicians occupied the front, attendings and residents sat in the middle, and trainees, fellows, and interns clustered at the back.

In terms of hierarchy, the hospital’s trainees top the list, followed by fellows, with interns at the bottom.

Many regard the fellows as particularly impressive.

Most fellows are outstanding county-level doctors, carrying the hopes of their hometowns and previous hospitals. They come to large hospitals to gain experience and learn advanced techniques to uplift local care.

Yet, in a big hospital like Tuyu, fellows hold very low status.

They might pick up some knowledge and skills, but rarely the essence of medicine.

Soon, the conference room filled with people.

There were doctors and nurses alike.

Everyone sat in their designated spots—nurses on the right, doctors on the left.

Whether this stems from an old tradition of men on the left or the belief in the honor of that side, it remains unclear.

Since doctors rank higher than nurses, they claim the left.

With a stern expression, Director Shang began, “We’ve convened this meeting because yesterday our department narrowly avoided a major medical incident. A patient with gastrointestinal bleeding began suffering abdominal pain and passing blood early in the morning. The attending was grossly negligent—only performing basic checks and monitoring, failing to act in time…”

The room fell silent; no one dared to speak out at that moment.

Director Shang’s harsh words left no room for dissent.

It was clear the incident had deeply angered him.

“In this safety incident, Dr. Zhang, the attending in charge, must be severely reprimanded.”

Dr. Zhang, surrounded by residents, kept his head bowed and dared not look up.

This was essentially a public naming and shaming in the department.

It was only second to a hospital-wide written reprimand in severity.

Frankly, he deserved it. Zhou Can had already advised him to arrange an immediate gastrointestinal angiography, but Dr. Zhang stubbornly refused.

Perhaps he was overly optimistic, thinking a senior doctor’s arrival would change things.

But that delay turned into a major fiasco.

“Dr. Zhang noticed the patient’s abdominal pain and blood in the stool yet failed to report to a senior doctor in time. When I happened to pass by and suggested an immediate angiography, not only was my advice ignored, but I was also scolded. Such officious behavior and complacency with the patient’s condition must serve as a warning. I am utterly appalled,” he declared.

Dr. Zhang’s face turned pale and sallow.

He must have wished he could vanish into the floor.

To be publicly chastised before the entire staff was immensely humiliating.

“In this incident, we must commend the new trainee Zhou Can. His conscientious approach, quick thinking, and active participation in the rescue not only helped save the patient’s life but also protected our department’s hard-won reputation. His actions should serve as a model for every healthcare worker.”

After Director Shang finished speaking, his gaze shifted to Zhou Can in the back.

“Dr. Zhou, please stand so everyone can meet you and hear a few words.”

Zhou Can wished to stay unnoticed, but Director Shang wouldn’t allow it.

It was clear he intended to thrust him into the spotlight.

Reluctantly, Zhou Can stood and bowed to those around him.

“I am Zhou Can, new here. Please guide me, seniors. That’s all from me—thank you.”

His brief, generic speech drew smirks and stifled laughs from those present.

They already had a very favorable impression of him.

Next, Director Shang outlined strict requirements regarding the department’s medical and nursing safety.

He instructed each team to review their patient lists meticulously, ensuring no one was overlooked.

Dr. Zhang would face consequences far graver than a mere bonus deduction.

This incident would have serious repercussions for his future.

It would demand double the effort to rectify the situation.

After the meeting, a deeper look of worry emerged on Yu Xin’s face.

“Dr. Zhou, could you go to the ward and check on that patient? If the cause remains elusive, I’ll report it to Director Shang immediately.” Clearly, Dr. Yu Xin was deeply shaken by Dr. Zhang’s mishandling.

The recent debacle left her with every reason to be cautious.

“Let’s go! As the saying goes, three cobblers can equal Zhuge Liang—together, we can solve this case,” Zhou Can said, drawing a rare smile from the usually cool Yu Xin.

The metaphor of ‘three cobblers’ was remarkably fitting.

The trio arrived at the ward where the patient in Bed 73 lay weakly.

The patient’s condition was dire.

“Did you just have diarrhea?”

Zhou Can’s diagnostic prowess far surpassed that of Yu Xin and Duan Zifu.

His extensive frontline experience was well beyond that of an ordinary trainee.

He could determine the diagnosis from a patient’s complexion, demeanor, and even their gaze.

“How did you know? Did you smell something foul?” asked a hesitant family member.

“It wasn’t the odor—it was his pallor and lack of spirit that gave it away,” Zhou Can explained.

Some patients and their families are extremely sensitive.

They worry about affecting other patients.

Especially for those who require assistance in private, sometimes having to pull aside the curtain for personal needs in the ward.

“The complexion says it all! Your doctors at Tuyu are truly exceptional!”

The family, reassured by his words, felt a bit less awkward.

Zhou Can noticed the patient shivering beneath a tightly tucked blanket.

“Are you feeling cold?”

He checked the patient’s forehead with the back of his hand.

The temperature was a bit high, though not yet a fever.

It was the shivering that particularly caught his attention.

Fever combined with chills, accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, was a bane for any post-operative patient.

“I feel cold, my stomach is terribly upset… It’s like a severe cold, but somehow different. Doctor… could I die?”

The patient’s tense expression made it clear he was suffering greatly.

He even bluntly asked whether he might die.

This highlighted just how miserable he felt.

“Don’t worry—these are just minor symptoms. We’ve performed countless pancreatic duct stone removal surgeries; the procedure is very mature. Normally, patients are discharged in a few days,” Zhou Can reassured him.

He deliberately avoided specifying an exact timeframe.

A patient’s hospital stay can vary from case to case.

Even with the same surgery, some are discharged in a few days while others may take over a week.

It largely depends on the patient’s constitution, the risk of post-operative infections, and other complications.

Zhou Can observed that the patient’s hand rested on the left upper abdomen.

This area, just below the cardiac region, likely corresponds to the stomach.

Recalling the nausea and diarrhea, he silently suspected that the patient’s digestive system was in trouble.

“Does your stomach hurt?” he inquired.

He asked the patient directly.

“It’s a bit bloated, and the nausea makes it especially painful,” came the weak reply.

Just then, the patient’s expression shifted to one of acute pain.

“Basin! Quickly, get a basin!”

Zhou Can urgently signaled to the family.

The family, confused, grew increasingly concerned for his distress.

Glancing under the bed, Zhou Can spotted a red basin, bent to retrieve it, and then brought it over.

The patient struggled to sit up, craning his head out of the bed.

“Ugh… splat!”

Liquid waste erupted from the patient’s mouth.

It sprayed out almost like a jet.

At that moment, the family quickly accepted the basin from his hands.

They silently admired his adept medical skills.

From his observation of the patient’s complexion and state, he had deduced that the patient had experienced diarrhea not long ago, and now he was the first to notice the impending vomiting.

In that split second, the patient barely managed a word before vomiting.

Not only did the family at Bed 73 look on in awe, but even families from the other three beds regarded Zhou Can with newfound respect.

Among the three trainees, Zhou Can clearly stood out.

Medical skill is the one thing you cannot fake.

True ability reveals itself when facing a patient’s condition.

Gently, Zhou Can patted the patient’s back to help him relax.

Once the vomiting subsided, he brought water for the patient to rinse his mouth.

Though these actions were minor, they warmed the patient’s heart. The family was profoundly grateful.

Most doctors maintain a distant demeanor, treating patients and families from on high.

Yet, there are few doctors who genuinely treat patients like family.

Many are quick with the compliments, but few back them up with care.

“When did the patient finish his surgery yesterday?”

Zhou Can turned to ask Dr. Yu Xin.

“Around 10:30 this morning,” she replied promptly, a testament to her meticulous work.

Zhou Can paused, his eyes growing brighter with realization.

After vomiting, the patient’s condition visibly improved; often, emptying one’s stomach brings relief.

“When did the patient eat after returning to the ward?”

Normally, patients are required to fast for at least 12 hours before surgery.

Given the large volume of vomitus and the diarrhea, it was evident he had eaten post-surgery.

“Probably around 4 p.m. I recall his surgery went smoothly. After surgery, he seemed well, so we quickly took him to a small restaurant where a chef prepared fresh chicken soup meant to aid recovery.”

The family recounted the events, describing that moment in detail.

In sharing her self-assured nutritional advice, she couldn’t hide a hint of smug satisfaction.

Zhou Can nodded; the time frame perfectly matched his suspicions.

From 4 p.m. to 7 a.m.—about 15 hours. At around 7 a.m., he’d checked on the patient in Ward 71 and noticed Bed 73’s patient already in distress.

That clearly indicated that severe symptoms had already set in.

“Was the restaurant you got the chicken soup from a small place?” Zhou Can asked again.

“Yes, it’s a little eatery specializing in fast food,” the family replied.

“He underwent pancreatic duct stone removal—a major operation. According to medical orders, no food is allowed for three to five days. Didn’t the nurses tell you?”

Zhou Can was exasperated by the family’s disregard for the instructions.

They completely ignored the doctor’s orders.

Many families assume that after surgery, a fragile patient needs abundant nutrition to recover swiftly.

Little do they know the old adage in Chinese medicine: ‘The weak should not be overfed.’

After a serious illness, overindulgence is a grave mistake.

Immediately after surgery, patients should only have warm, easily digestible foods—no spicy foods, tobacco, or alcohol.

This patient, following a pancreatic stone removal, could drink water five to six hours post-op but was strictly forbidden from eating.

The doctors would still provide necessary nutritional support.

In reality, families have nothing to worry about.

“Didn’t you say he could have water? I assumed chicken soup was no different… Could my husband’s severe reaction be due to the chicken soup?”

Hearing Zhou Can’s slightly reproachful tone, the family was suddenly overcome with guilt and regret.

What was meant as a kind gesture had inadvertently harmed her husband.

“Chicken soup itself isn’t the culprit—it’s likely that the soup you gave him was tainted,” Zhou Can stated seriously.

Dr. Yu Xin listened silently throughout.

During the entire diagnosis, she couldn’t lead the questioning like Zhou Can, who pieced together clues about the patient’s hidden actions with ease.

In truth, even as the in-charge doctor, she hadn’t known that the patient secretly consumed chicken soup yesterday.

She had repeatedly stressed that patients should remain fasting for a week after surgery.

In fact, she intentionally extended the fasting period by two or three days as a precaution.

But the family, thinking themselves clever, secretly ordered chicken soup for the patient.

Some young women, influenced by online videos and skits, make unreasonable demands on their partners—expecting them to be as exemplary as heroes in those videos, causing household chaos.

Netizens have dubbed this phenomenon as drinking the ‘toxic chicken soup’ from the internet.

Now, the chicken soup given to the patient is genuinely toxic.

“Toxic chicken soup? That can’t be! I personally selected live chickens, which were slaughtered and cooked on the spot!” the family retorted.

They argued vehemently.

“Based on the patient’s symptoms, it isn’t a post-operative complication but food poisoning. In the future, you must strictly follow our orders. If in doubt, ask a doctor or nurse immediately. Trust us—we’re here to help; preventing food intake isn’t about neglect, but about safeguarding the patient,” Zhou Can explained earnestly.

He spoke with conviction, hoping to change their perspective.

He wished that she would learn from this mistake.

“For example, when you prevent your child from eating junk food for health reasons, your child might only think you’re depriving him of tasty treats,” he illustrated.

Zhou Can even offered a concrete example to educate the family.

As soon as he finished speaking, patients in the other beds spontaneously burst into applause.

“Dr. Zhou speaks so well! His caring approach shows we should understand the doctors’ good intentions. We look forward to seeing patients recover and be discharged soon,” said the daughter of the patient in Bed 71.

She had always held Zhou Can in high regard, deeply trusting him.

At that moment, she was the first to speak up on his behalf.

“Thank you all for your trust. We doctors are not adversaries of patients or their families—we are comrades fighting alongside you against disease. Your trust and understanding make every recovery our greatest reward.”

Zhou Can addressed everyone in the ward, both patients and families.

He believed that through such incidents, the bond of trust between doctors, patients, and families would only grow stronger.

“Dr. Zhou, what type of food poisoning does this patient have?”

Dr. Yu Xin looked at him with genuine admiration.

Both his medical skill and ethics left a profound impression on her.

In comparison, her previous pride seemed as insignificant as a firefly’s glow next to a full moon.

“If I’m not mistaken, it’s likely Salmonella. Chickens are notorious carriers of Salmonella. If the bacteria aren’t killed by sufficient heat during cooking, infection is almost inevitable,” Zhou Can diagnosed.

He revealed his conclusion.

“Of course, further tests are needed for confirmation.”