Last evening Zac went out to the local pub with a few friends from university. There was
Question:
Last evening Zac went out to the local pub with a few friends from university. There was a new band playing at the pub and Zac was especially excited to be going. To save money Zac and his friends met up at a friend’s house for ‘pre-drinks’. During this time Zac drank around four full strength beers. Zac Smyth is 18 year old university student who lives on-campus as his parents reside in another state. Zac is studying engineering and enjoys university life. Zac has a part-time job working at the local supermarket for 15 hours each week. Zac has no immediate family in the state but he has
1. A very important intervention for any deteriorating patient is to increase in the frequency of observations undertaken. If Zac were to significantly deteriorate, what trend in his blood pressure might be observed? Explain the pathophysiological mechanisms which would cause these changes.
2. If Zac deteriorates further, hypertonic saline may be administered. Explain the rationale if this therapy were to be used in Zac's care, and the changes in parameters (or lack thereof) that would be evidence that the intervention is having the desired effect. Explain why administration of this therapy to Zac should proceed with caution.