Patient Safety: Intoxication Case Scenario
In July, our monthly topic was a typical scenario that a patient will go through when they call 911. This month, we are going to see what happens when a severely intoxicated patient comes into…
In July, our monthly topic was a typical scenario that a patient will go through when they call 911. This month, we are going to see what happens when a severely intoxicated patient comes into…
The primary treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic medication. It can help individuals to manage their symptoms but it is not a cure. The older antipsychotic medications, called “first generation” were effective for positive symptoms and…
Individuals with schizophrenia may sleep excessively or use alcohol or other substances to diminish the voices. Command hallucinations are the most serious and can be dangerous. The voices may command an individual to harm themselves…
There is currently no diagnostic test for schizophrenia. The age of onset is usually between the late teens and early thirties. Diagnosis is based on an individual’s history and presenting symptoms. Positive, negative and cognitive…
The police were called to a busy intersection of the city because a man was standing in traffic, shouting and stopping cars. He was a white male, in his early twenties with an unkempt appearance.…
Mrs. Smith receives an EKG, CT scan of the head, a chest x-ray and multiple lab tests that reveal she has had a myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. A cardiologist is…
Detecting meth within a user’s body can be measured in several ways. Hair and saliva testing can be performed; but the most common methods are urine and blood sampling. Toxicology screens are typically used for…
“Hello base, this is Medic 62 inbound with 49 year old female, status post syncope and emesis, complaining now of shortness of breath. Denies chest pain. She is currently A&Ox4, vital signs are stable and…
A meth user may experience several levels of addiction. The initial meth response or “rush” can last up to 30 minutes compared with 2 to 5 minutes for crack cocaine. The “high” or euphoric state,…
To read the first part of the case scenario, please see last week’s blog post by clicking here. <BEEP> “Medical call at 555 Oak St, cross of Adams Ave and Chester Ln for Paramedic Engine 65…
This illegal drug was once produced in vast quantities in the U.S. using easy-access medications and chemicals until the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 was incorporated. This act bans medications containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and…
This month I will attempt to paint a picture of an average ER visit from 911 to discharge. To make this more fun, I am going to invent a case scenario. This is completely made…