Forty-nine-year-old Frank has been a heavy drinker for the past 25 years

Introduction

Forty-nine-year-old Frank has been a heavy drinker for the past 25 years. He also has a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and recent upper respiratory viral infection. Frank’s only current medication is Lasix (furosemide) 40 mg od. He presents with severe epigastric pain that radiates to his back and worsens when lying down. His abdomen is distended, and bowel sounds are hypoactive. Frank has a fever and is diaphoretic and hypotensive, and his serum calcium is very low.

Discussion Guidelines

Initial Post

In your initial post, answer the following questions:

Frank is being transferred to the ICU. If you were the ICU nurse, what would you have to consider in Frank’s case?

What would you expect in the way of treatment modalities for Frank?