Administer a strong analgesic, such as oxycodone in combination with acetaminophen (Percocet, Tylox), and prescribe additional medication, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for home use. Severe pain may necessitate a…
CHAPTER 5 Idiopathic Facial Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy) Presentation The patient with this condition is often frightened by his facial disfigurement or fear of having had a stroke. He complains of…
CHAPTER 24 Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Presentation This condition may occur spontaneously or may follow a minor trauma, coughing episode, vomiting, straining at stool, or heavy exercise. There is no pain or…
CHAPTER 4 Hysterical Coma or Pseudoseizure Presentation The patient is unresponsive and brought to the emergency department on a stretcher. There is usually a history of recent emotional upset: an…
CHAPTER 3 Hyperventilation Presentation The patient is anxious and complains of shortness of breath and an inability to fill the lungs adequately. The patient also may have palpitations, dizziness, intense…
Figure 1-1 Patient with dystonic drug reaction. What To Do: Administer 1 to 2 mg of benztropine (Cogentin) or 25 to 50 mg of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) IV, and watch for…
FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS A bone fracture (break) may be simple (one clean break) or comminuted (multiple breaks or shattered) (Figure 38). Furthermore, it may be closed (skin intact) or open…
MINOR BRUISES AND WOUNDS BRUISES A bruise is a collection of blood that develops in soft tissue (muscle, skin, or fat), caused by a direct blow to the body part,…
HAZARDOUS AQUATIC LIFE In general, anyone who gets an infection following a wound acquired in a naturral aquatic environment should be treated with an antibiotic to cover Staphylococcus and Streptococcus…
