Emma's Diagnosis'

Emma McGovern is a one year old little girl with a significant complex medical history which includes chromosomal abnormalities-- chromosome 10p13 terminal deletion and a chromosome 20p13 duplication. Emma has been diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, tracheomalcia, bronchomalcia, laryngomalcia, respiratory failure, nephrocalcinosis, gastroesophageal reflux, Grade III vesicoureteral reflux, immunodeficiency, hypogammaglobulinenemia, a history of bacterial and fungal urinary tract infections, bilateral cataracts, hearing loss and failure to thrive. She is on continuous oxygen and receives her nutrition through a gastrostomy tube.

Emma was born at St. John's Children's Hospital on February 14th 2012. On March 27th 2012, she developed cardiopulmonary failure while at a the Olive Garden in Springfield, Illinois with her mother and maternal grandmother. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation  was initiated and she was transferred to St. John's Children's Hospital where she was admitted and remained until May 3, 2012. On May 1, 2012 she underwent placement of a gastrostomy tube. On August 13, 2012, a port was placed for a more permanent and efficient means of IV access. Emma has been hospitalized nine times in her first year of life.

Emma's caregivers need to be able to provide skilled nursing services such as physical assessment, evaluate her respiratory status, monitor vital signs, address her suctioning needs, and administer oxygen and nebulizer treatments when needed. Emma will need to have her nutritional status assessed, which includes both continuous and bolus gastrostomy feedings and administration of prescribed medications. When Emma's respiratory system is compromised due to illness, the frequency for suctioning and nebulizer treatments are increased.