An unresponsive 80-year-old patient has been ill for 4 days….

An unresponsive 80-year-old patient has been ill for 4 days. Diet was normal untilyesterday when the patient became very lethargic. There is a history of diabetes andhypertension. Respirations are 32 and deep, pulse is 120. The skin is warm and dry andthere is a sweet, fruity odor near the patient. Your FIRST impression of this patient is:

You are requested by the police to assist them with an 18-ye…

You are requested by the police to assist them with an 18-year-old patient who isbarricaded in a hallway. The scene is safe. Neighbors say they saw the patient actingnormal just a few minutes ago. You observe that the patient appears to be hallucinating.What is your FIRST consideration?

Your EMS team has extricated a 70-year-old patient from the…

Your EMS team has extricated a 70-year-old patient from the vehicle after it went off theroad at a high rate of speed and hit a tree. The patient has an altered mental status andis unable to provide a medical history. You are concerned that a cardiac problem mayhave precipitated the incident, but you must also rule out: