Page 30 of The Defense Rests
"I just need to see some identification and then have you sign here," he points to a form on top of the file.
After signing, he hands me the file but holds tight to one end as if we're in a game of tug-of-war. I narrow my eyes at him in confusion.
"I'm not sure about the nature of this case, but I hope you can be sensitive to the things you discover in this file." He says softly, but gives me a pointed look. What he really wants to say in layman's terms is,Don't air her dirty laundry.
"You have my word. I'm just trying to clear the name of an innocent doctor. I don't have any intentions of destroying this woman's life," I tell him truthfully. Even though I'm protective of Dr. Whitmore–Daddy Shaun–destroying someone in the process, no matter the reasoning, is not in my nature.
He nods his approval before releasing the file. Before I can get his name, he taps his badge against a small black box and slips back through the door, leaving me standing in this bare room. Holding on to a thick file that I hope provides me some answers.
…
Sitting cross-legged on the couch, sipping my cup of tea, I settle in for a long night. I need to review this file and identify what I've been missing.
Pulling out the copies and setting them on my lap, I slip on my reading glasses and begin thumbing through the pages. I start with scanning them to see if there is anything that catches my eye.
By the fourth page, I see a trend. "Thank you, Roberts. This is what I was looking for." I whisper into the quiet apartment.
Nursing Progress Note
Date of exam: November 2, 2022
Time of exam: 9:47 AM
Attending Physician: Evan Drake, M.D.
Patient Name: Maddison, Heather Patient Number: 100016548955
HISTORY
Status of patient:
Decline in mental state.
Target Symptoms:
Heather reports that depressive symptoms continue and are more frequent. Additionally, the intensity of the symptoms has worsened. Anergia is present, including increased symptoms of anhedonia. Ms. Maddison has difficulty focusing on routine tasks. Heather expresses feelings of guilt and sadness over her "miscarriage". Sleep has improved with prescribed Ambien. She states she doesn't want to live at times so she can be "with her baby."Basic Behaviors:
Participation in activities is minimal. Impulsive behaviors have decreased with the increase in Haldol dosage. She is taking her medication regularly.
She is still not eating full meals.
Mental Status:
Ms. Maddison presents as glum, downcast, and minimally communicative. Physical movement is slow. There seem to be signs of delusions, but they are less frequent. Bizarre behavior includes holding and rocking her bed pillow while whispering to it. The patient is fidgety.
Nursing Interventions:
Medication administered as directed. The patient took the medication Ambien and Haldol willingly.
Level of Care:
Ms. Maddison needs continued inpatient treatment. Outpatient services were considered but not recommended until psychiatric symptoms and condition improved.
…
I put the stack of papers on the coffee table and pick up my cell with trembling hands.
"Kai, what a surprise!" Mom's voice rings through the phone, and my nerves calm almost instantly.
