Essential Facts on the Go: Internal Medicine (37 page)

Airway – Can the patient protect his/her airway?

Breathing – Any respiratory distress?

Circulation – Are they maintaining pulse and blood pressure?

Blood glucose – Hypoglycemia? Hyperglycemia?

If CNS etiology is a concern – stat noncontrast head CT

Seizure – stat benzodiazepines, lie patient on side

Check vitals – Febrile? Hypoxic?

Review medications

Is he/she taking anticholinergic meds, benzodiazepines, narcotics?

Any illicit substances?

Check for urinary retention

Check comprehensive metabolic panel (renal function, liver function, electrolytes)

Check CBC

Check blood and urine cultures if infection is suspected