Sunday Post-it 3/16/25-L*O*L

The post-it reads “Alpha numeric spelling is just coding.”

This post-it got me thinking about coding in a couple of different ways. What is meant by coding? It is a communication style that seeks to with hold information that might be damaging or incomprehensible to the non speakers. For example the anesthesiologist can say that they need an ABG, CBC, BMP, PT/PTT, T&C and a lollipop, and I know that something bad is happening or has the potential to happen at the head of the table.

I was kidding about the lollipop.

This spate of orders makes me wonder if there is unanticipated bleeding and the patient is not doing well. In response, I would look at the suction canister to see if I can see what they are seeing, and I would offer to get the tube colors that they need as a way to confirm the colors that they need. I would also glance at the back table/mayo and offer the scrub tech additional lap sponges if I see they are down to one or two. I would nudge the red lined kick bucket to be more accessible for the scrub tech.

I would also ask if the patient needs a higher level of care. By that, I mean does the patient require ICU or a transfer to a tertiary hospital. This is code

My next step is to call the supervisor to request an additional set of hands or the ICU bed or to get the ball rolling on the EMTALA paperwork. Which is the Emergency Medical Treatment Act and Labor that allows the emergency treatment of patients.

All of that from the sudden request for lab tests. But, to be more specific, those lab tests. The 17 letters tell a story.

Yes, but… Talking in medical code, AKA the acronyms that you know are near and dear to the heart of all medical personnel, is also done to protect patients. After all, little pitchers have big ears. This means that there is always someone who is listening. And being human they often will take the worst inference of what was just said. AKA the patients will jump to conclusions that aren’t true. And panic.

Parents do this too. Parents can spell out a word that they know the child will react to. Such as B*A*T*H or I*C*E*C*R*E*A*M.

Pet owners do this as well. Such as spelling out the word R*I*D*E or V*E*T.

Both times it works until the kid or the pet can work out is being spelled.

Are we coding in these instances so that the kid or the pet doesn’t become too excited?

I am writing this post because I caught myself coding a social media post the other day. I didn’t care how other people perceived the post but I wanted to share the information for those who are also frustrated by the current atmosphere.

And there I go again! AARRGH!

I think I need a N*A*P.