Critical Care
The Southwest Journal of Pulmonary and Critical Care publishes articles directed to those who treat patients in the ICU, CCU and SICU including chest physicians, surgeons, pediatricians, pharmacists/pharmacologists, anesthesiologists, critical care nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Manuscripts may be either basic or clinical original investigations or review articles. Potential authors of review articles are encouraged to contact the editors before submission, however, unsolicited review articles will be considered.
October 2022 Critical Care Case of the Month: A Middle-Aged Couple “Not Acting Right”
Pulmonary and Critical Care Research and Education Foundation
Gilbert, AZ USA
History of Present Illness
A 62-year-old man and his 61-year-old wife were brought to Emergency Department by family who reported “they’re not acting right”. Both complain of headache, weakness, tiredness, trouble with daily activities and memory difficulties.
PMH, SH, and FH
- They live in a log cabin in a rural area near Payson.
- The man had a history of myocardial infarction and was post-op percutaneous intervention with stenting 3 years ago.
- There was no significant PMH in the woman.
- Both are retired. Neither drank alcohol to excess or smoked.
Meds (man only):
- Enteric-coated aspirin
- Metoprolol
- Atorvostatin
Physical Examination
- Vital signs in both are normal
- Both are oriented X 3 but sluggish and slow to answer.
- Physical examination is otherwise unremarkable in both.
What should be done at this time? (click on the correct answer to be directed to the second of seven pages)