08-17-2011, 11:25 PM
A 55-year-old man goes to an emergency department because he is experiencing severe abdominal pain, which is radiating straight through to his back. The pain began several hours after an admitted alcoholic binge, and has not changed in position, although it has become worse.The patient has a severe course that requires treatment in an ICU. CIinically, he appears similar to patients with sepsis, with fever, elevated white count, hypotension, increased pulse rate, shallow and rapid breathing, oliguria, and a blunted sensorium, in addition to his pain and abdominal tenderness. These clinical findings are most likely related to which of the following?
/ A. Activation of the inflammatory cascade
/ B. AIcohol withdrawal symptoms
/ C. AIIergic reaction to alcohol
/ D. Drug toxicity effect
/ E. Secondary infection with mixed flora gut bacteria
/ A. Activation of the inflammatory cascade
/ B. AIcohol withdrawal symptoms
/ C. AIIergic reaction to alcohol
/ D. Drug toxicity effect
/ E. Secondary infection with mixed flora gut bacteria