Reference no: EM133686642

Question

A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency room for a "panic attack." The patient is loud and argumentative with staff. He states that he was prescribed Xanax at 0.5mg at 3x daily by an outpatient psychiatrist but ran out this morning. He states that he has been experiencing worsening anxiety symptoms throughout the evening, prompting this visit. Because it is after hours, a message was left with his psychiatrist's answering service. Challenge a Fri Question Feedl The patient's vital signs are significant for an elevated heart rate at 114bpm, an elevated blood pressure at 155/95 mmg, and a low-grade temperature of 99.1°F. The patient is observed until morning, and his vital signs are closely monitored. He received a small dose of Ativan with resolution of his symptoms, was able to sleep, and did not require any additional doses of Ativan during the 6 hours he was observed. The patient remained fully alert and oriented and denied any disturbance in mood or suicidal ideation. The on-call psychiatrist who is covering the patient's primary outpatient psychiatrist calls the ED to confirm the patient's history and explains that the last prescription was filled a little more than 3 weeks ago. He is out.