This patient came in from the ER to the High Dependency Unit for observation after experiencing chest pains. He asked for a bedpan, which I helped him onto. He seemed constipated, so I gave the man some privacy by turning to other work I could do while he pushed, pushed, and tried his best to let it out.
Cutting the story short, the patient's face turned a bit pale with a very faint tint of purplish-blue! I could not get a response from him, resuscitation was then commenced.
No need for too many details, he received multiple shots of adrenaline and was even intubated. And he did not make it in the end.
From today onwards, I shall be extra careful whenever I see a patient putting in extra effort to defecate.
Who knew constipation could kill?
Cutting the story short, the patient's face turned a bit pale with a very faint tint of purplish-blue! I could not get a response from him, resuscitation was then commenced.
No need for too many details, he received multiple shots of adrenaline and was even intubated. And he did not make it in the end.
From today onwards, I shall be extra careful whenever I see a patient putting in extra effort to defecate.
Who knew constipation could kill?
