A 96-year-old male patient is admitted to the ICU A 96-year-old male patient is admitted to the ICU with terminal liver cancer. He is confused and disoriented, very skinny and appears underfed, and is covered with bruises, which are common in patients with liver disorders. His daughter, who is a naturopathic physician, insists that she […]

A 92-year-old nursing home patient is brought into the emergency department with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNC). A 92-year-old nursing home patient is brought into the emergency department with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNC). Her fluid and electrolyte imbalances are at a critical level. Consider the types of fluid and electrolyte imbalances she may have, […]

A 78-year-old patient is scheduled for transition to home after treatment for heart disease. The patient?s spouse, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, plans to care for the patient at home. A 78-year-old patient is scheduled for transition to home after treatment for heart disease. The patient?s spouse, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, plans […]

A 70 year-old patient has experienced a devastating stroke and is comatose in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. A family meeting was held. The hospital physician explained the irreversible damage to the brain and discussed end of life care and withdrawal of life support. A 70 year-old patient has experienced a devastating stroke […]

A 70 year-old patient has experienced a devastating stroke and is comatose in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. A 70 year-old patient has experienced a devastating stroke and is comatose in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. A family meeting was held. The hospital physician explained the irreversible damage to the brain, […]