That Night
那一晚
A night during residency. A patient’s words, and learning to stay beside her.
Read the text transcript
01/07 · Remembering
After taking over the APL patient’s care, I headed home.
On my way home, I remembered a night during residency.
It was my first time facing a moment like that. Years later, I still cannot forget.
02/07 · Night shift
A night shift on the COVID ward during residency.
Nurse: Her breathing is getting worse. Can you come?
She’s about fifty-five, with COVID pneumonia. DNR/DNI is confirmed.
She’s still on high-flow oxygen, but she’s struggling more.
Mo: What do I do? Call my senior? …Would that change anything? Stay calm… What else can I do?
03/07 · At the bedside
She was still alert. Every breath was an effort.
I wanted to help, but I did not know what to say next.
For the first time, I felt my own helplessness so clearly.
04/07 · Staying
What else can I do?
She met my eyes and gently shook her head.
She did not ask me to leave. We stayed at the bedside.
05/07 · Her words
I’m here.
Doctor… I’m ready.
06/07 · Years later
Years later, I still remember her words.
That night, I began learning to respect a patient’s choice.
And to stay beside someone, even when I felt powerless.
End of story.
07/07 · Medical notes: DNR / DNI and severe COVID-19
DNR: Do Not Resuscitate
No CPR after cardiac arrest. DNR alone does not prohibit intubation or other treatment.
DNI: Do Not Intubate
No endotracheal intubation or invasive ventilation. Oxygen and noninvasive support may still be appropriate.
Alert does not mean stable
Severe COVID-19 can cause hypoxemic respiratory failure. A patient may remain alert while struggling to breathe and worsening despite oxygen.
Care continues
Continue assessment, goal-concordant treatment, and symptom relief. DNR/DNI is not automatically comfort-only care. “I’m ready” does not replace a goals-of-care discussion.
Respect choices. Continue caring.
Sometimes healing is not the only answer, but we are still here. —Dr. Mo
References named in the original artwork: Merck Manual — DNR Orders; Cleveland Clinic — DNR; CDC — COVID-19.
Educational context, not a treatment protocol.
Story and medical notes reproduced from the supplied artwork. Educational context, not individualized medical advice.