Clinical Case Database / Category: Patient Management

Management of the patient with transient loss of consciousness

Publication details

Dr Dave Bell, Dr Stuart Henderson
Foundation Years Journal, volume 4, issue 5, p.51 (123Doc Education, London, May 2010)

Abstract

An 84-year-old man was referred to hospital by his GP, after apparently collapsing in his residential home. Although fully alert and orientated on arrival in hospital, the patient was unable to describe in detail the circumstances which had resulted in his admission, except that he "had a funny turn". The GP's letter described his past medical history, which included hypertension and chronic obstructive airways disease, with a 40 pack-year smoking history. His only medication was ramipril 2.5mg daily and ipratropium bromide 4 times per day via inhaler/spacer device. Examination of Mr R revealed a quiet ejection systolic murmur in the aortic area and a bruise over his right eyebrow. His blood pressure is 140/70, with a pulse of 70/min.

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Authors

Dr Dave Bell

ST1 Oncology
Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD
davebell@ukdoctor.org

Dr Stuart Henderson

Consultant in Acute Medicine
Salisbury NHSFT, Odstock Road, Salisbury, SP2 8BJ
stuart.henderson@salisbury.nhs.uk

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About the Clinical Cases Database

T​he Foundation Years Clinical Cases Database is​ a selection of 600 peer-reviewed clinical cases in the field of patient safety and clinical practice, specifically focused on the clinical information needs of junior doctors, based around the Foundation Year Curriculum programme (MMC). The cases have been chosen to align with the Foundation Year Curriculum.

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