If there's no problem, that would be best.
"Uh-huh, I'm aware. The patient had a reaction earlier, which is a normal postoperative occurrence."
Director Shen's tone was still gentle.
His expression was fairly amiable.
"I've carefully examined the patient's leg. The swelling near the surgical area is quite severe, accompanied by subcutaneous purpura."
Zhou Can was somber as he spoke.
His way of speaking wasn't as ingratiating or flattering as Doctor He. It was a straightforward reporting of issues to his superior, without being either servile or overbearing.
From this, one could also see that a capable person, when facing superiors, generally has much more confidence.
This is the self-assurance that comes with ability.
"Because the patient's leg was run over by a car, there is minor subcutaneous purpura around the ankle area, which usually isn't a big problem." Director Shen's smile had diminished slightly.
This young doctor's words were a bit unpleasant to hear.
Even if one desires to stand out, it's important to consider the appropriate context.
Hadn't he personally checked the patient's leg a moment ago? Did Zhou Can really think he wouldn't have noticed these symptoms?
"Swelling near the surgical site is also a normal post-operative reaction. It should subside within a day or two. These issues are things you should humbly ask your supervising teachers about in the future."
Though there was no outright insult, his words already contained a hint of dissatisfaction and criticism.
"The new residents still don't understand how things work. After work, I'll hold a meeting and train them." Doctor Yang quickly stepped forward to show his stance.
With so many patients and family members watching, his words were chosen carefully.
Otherwise, he might have directly berated Zhou Can.
Technically, with just a bit of sense, Zhou Can should admit his mistake at this stage, and then quietly stand back without making another peep.
But he was particularly stubborn.
"Director Shen, I'm just making a bold assumption here, but could there be underlying issues such as vascular damage or blood clots in the patient's leg? The swelling and subcutaneous purpura seem a bit different from normal post-operative reactions to me. I've seen post-operative swelling in the Emergency Department too, and it usually isn't this hard. As for purpura caused by skin injuries, the color would be darker. Moreover, it wouldn't continue to spread and enlarge."
Zhou Can's boldness stemmed from his rich surgical experience.
There was definitely something abnormal with this patient.
When Director Shen had examined the patient's leg earlier, Zhou Can clearly saw that the area of purpura had enlarged.
It had spread to the ankle bone.
Director Shen's expression changed slightly, but this time he didn't say much more.
It seemed like he was pondering Zhou Can's words.
Doctor Shan was not going to take this sitting down.
She was the one who had repaired and anastomosed the blood vessels and nerves in the patient's leg. Zhou Can questioning the possibility of vascular damage, or even a more serious blood clot, was essentially publicly doubting the success of her surgery.
Being promoted to attending at a young age, and possessing a high innate talent for surgery, her pride was understandably immense.
If Director Shen had questioned the quality of her surgery, she would have had no objections.
But it was unbearable for her to accept that a resident, and one from the least accomplished Emergency Department no less, dared to publicly question her.
"Doctor Yang, it seems that you need to intensify tonight's training for these residents! Their 'adorable' spirit of obstinately sticking to a single line of inquiry to the bitter end is quite something."
A highly educated woman will never stand with her hands on her hips, cursing like a shrew.
Even though Doctor Shan was so agitated by Zhou Can that her face turned pale and her chest heaved violently, she still maintained the art of speaking.
How could Doctor Yang fail to detect the dissatisfaction in Doctor Shan's words?
His gaze towards Zhou Can was icy.
He probably had the urge to throttle Zhou Can.
"Xiao He, take him to the office first, and explain things to him, so we avoid any further embarrassment next time."
Doctor Yang was too busy to handle the situation himself.
He had no choice but to have Doctor He take this clueless doctor away.
He was at a loss with Zhou Can; other junior doctors were all trying to make a good impression in front of Director Shen. But this guy managed to offend the two most prestigious doctors in the orthopedic trauma department in one go.
What's worse, he dragged Doctor Yang, the attending doctor responsible for residents, into this mess.
It was as if trouble had come out of nowhere for him.
During the patient rounds, nothing wrong had happened on the patient's side, and yet this guy had caused a blunder.
Doctor He was almost in tears.
How could he have anticipated Zhou Can being so rigid! Just single-minded to the point of not being able to see reason.
"Dr. Zhou, come with me to the office, where I'll clarify all your doubts. Don't interrupt Director Shen and the others during their rounds here," Dr. Zhang pulled on Zhou Can, nearly dragging him toward the office.
To everyone's surprise, Director Shen took the initiative to stop Zhou Can from being forcibly taken away.
"He's not without reason in his analysis, and he's observed very carefully. Out of responsibility for the patient, I believe this matter should be treated with caution."