02-06-2008, 09:17 AM
19. A 74-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital
for treatment of a hip fracture. Her only medical
problem is chronic insomnia; she told the nurse, "I
have taken sleeping pills for years." Two days after
the operation she has a tonic clonic seizure. Vital
signs now are: temperature 38.0°C (100.4°F), pulse
110/min and blood pressure 180/100 mm Hg. She is
confused, has diaphoresis and is trembling. Which of
the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Barbiturate withdrawal
B) Diphenhydramine withdrawal
C) Propoxyphene withdrawal
D) Pulmonary embolus
E) Stroke
for treatment of a hip fracture. Her only medical
problem is chronic insomnia; she told the nurse, "I
have taken sleeping pills for years." Two days after
the operation she has a tonic clonic seizure. Vital
signs now are: temperature 38.0°C (100.4°F), pulse
110/min and blood pressure 180/100 mm Hg. She is
confused, has diaphoresis and is trembling. Which of
the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Barbiturate withdrawal
B) Diphenhydramine withdrawal
C) Propoxyphene withdrawal
D) Pulmonary embolus
E) Stroke