A Barely Responsive 36-Year-Old Woman With Hypothermia

Gregory Taylor, DO; Eric McDowell, DO

January 08, 2018

Editor's Note:

The Case Challenge series includes difficult-to-diagnose conditions, some of which are not frequently encountered by most clinicians but are nonetheless important to accurately recognize. Test your diagnostic and treatment skills using the following patient scenario and corresponding questions. If you have a case that you would like to suggest for a future Case Challenge, please contact us.

Background

A 36-year-old woman was presented to the emergency department (ED) after having been dropped at the hospital entrance, minimally responsive, with a note pinned to her chest that read, "I picked her up at a hotel. She said she was sick." She was quickly brought to the trauma bay.

A review of systems was limited secondary to the acuity of the patient's condition. Using the identification the patient had, an investigation revealed a significant medical history of alcohol abuse and drug abuse, with multiple prior ED visits for cocaine and heroin overdoses.

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Cite this: Gregory Taylor, Eric McDowell. A Barely Responsive 36-Year-Old Woman With Hypothermia - Medscape - Jan 08, 2018.

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