Diagnostic challenge

Mrs. LA, an 84-year-woman who lives in a rest home, presents to the ED with confusion and a decreased level of consciousness. She’d been to the ED two weeks prior complaining of knee pain. She was reassured that it was likely arthritis and sent home. If any of your patients have suffered from an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) lately, you’ll know it’s essential to closely monitor their serum potassium levels to forestall post-MI arrhythmias. A recent large observational study, however, suggests that the current recommendation for maintaining a serum potassium level between 4.0-5.0 mmol/L may not produce the best mortality benefit. A furuncle forms from a hair follicle. It’s a walled-off collection of pus. Multiple adjacent furuncles is called a carbuncle. Lesions are often painful. Consider a swab for bacterial culture and sensitivity. Treatment often requires incision and drainage. Oral antibiotics are sometimes used to prevent spreading infection and recurrence.