CHAPTER 19 Hordeolum (Stye) Presentation The patient complains of redness, nodular swelling, and pain in the eyelid, perhaps at the base of an eyelash (stye or external hordeolum) or deep…

CHAPTER 52 Mucocele (Mucous Cyst) Presentation A patient may be alarmed by the rapid development of a soft, rounded, nontender, fluctuant cyst, most often found inside the lower lip. The…

CHAPTER 21 Periorbital and Conjunctival Edema Presentation The patient is frightened by facial distortion and itching that appeared either spontaneously or up to 24 hours after being bitten by a…

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 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…

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 13 Weakness Presentation An older patient, complaining of isolated “weakness” or an inability to carry on her usual activities or care for herself, comes to an acute care clinic…

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…