1/2. Atypical presentation in the elderly--case report of an acute abdomen.An elderly woman with an acute abdomen due to a perforated peptic ulcer is discussed to illustrate the problem of atypical presentation of illness in the elderly. The importance of not dismissing non-specific symptoms and signs such as confusion, restlessness, abdominal distention and non-localising abdominal tenderness in the elderly, is highlighted. In addition, the useful radiological features of pneumoperitoneum are described. The need for functional assessment and rehabilitation are emphasised as important components in the practice of geriatric medicine.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = medicine (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. sepsis, septic shock, acute abdomen? The ability of cardiac disease to mimic other medical illness.Transport medicine offers the challenge of patient diagnosis based only on the relayed history an the impressions of referring medical personnel. A thorough pretransport review of the patient's history, physical examination, radiographs, laboratory values, and other supporting information can help avoid surprises upon arrival at the patient's bedside and lead to an appropriate diagnosis and management plan. One must approach the transported child with an open mind, however, to avoid misdiagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate intervention and management. One of the advantages of pediatric specialty transport services is the ability to critically assess a referred patient and offer diagnostic and therapeutic guidance in addition to transportation to the receiving center. These above two examples illustrate difficult cases where the diagnostic skills of the transport medical personnel enabled the patients to receive appropriate acute interventional and specific disease-related therapy.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = medicine (Clic here for more details about this article) |