An intoxicated man with facial trauma

Abstract

found the patient intoxicated with obvious facial trauma. The patient was combative with EMS. He told them he had been beaten, but wouldn't provide a further history. By the time he arrived at triage, he was yelling and combative. Past medical history, medications, and allergies were all unknown. On physical examination, the vital signs were: temperature 37°C (98°F), blood pressure 196/130 mmHg, heart rate 96 beats/ min, respiratory rate 24 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 100% on a 100% O 2 non-rebreather. On physical examination, he was noted to be combative, had a c-collar in place, and had the odor of alcoholic beverages on his breath. He had some facial abrasions that were bleeding, an obvious tongue laceration, and a couple of loose teeth. The lungs were clear to auscultation. There was a regular rate and rhythm. The abdomen was a little bit distended, but otherwise non-tender, and he was moving all of his extremities.Dr. Richard Wolfe: I am not even sure how you were able to get much of an examination if he was combative.