This incident was happened in 1987 in a tribal area (Rajavommangi) in Andhra Pradesh, where I worked as a medical officer. A female patient about 26 years old was brought to the hospital by her husband at about 2 PM. Complaint: Severe pain in the abdomen. The time is an odd hour as hospital was remain closed from 12-30 PM to 4-00 PM. Only one staff member was with me at that time. I gave her anti spasmodic drug in the IV (intra venous) form in anticipation for quick relief. The injection was bought by the patient relative from a near by drug store as the hospital store was closed. Immediately, the lady developed sweating and pulse became weak. I immediately gave her required treatment for the reaction in the form of Dexamethasone injection. She recovered within 10 minutes. But, I LEARNT A BIG LESSON. Lesson: Never give injection in Intravenous route when you are working in rural areas unless it is necessary or it is the only possible route for that drug. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
Medical Cases: Snake Bite – My experience
This happened when I worked as a medical officer in Maredumilli, agency area in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. When I enquired her about the bite, they gave the history of black cobra first bit the hen and then this lady. They killed the snake. I saw the hen which was died and turned into black color. I thought that the snake spit the venom first into the hen’s body and then into this lady (may be in very little amount). So, though snake is a poisonous one, she is out of danger. I explained it to the patient and their relatives. If the snake is a non-poisonous one, fear of bite brings shock and patient may die. I repeatedly encouraged her to be confident and there is no danger to her life. Symptoms of poisonous snakebites? bloody wound discharge fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite severe localized pain fainting, dizziness and burning blurred vision and excessive sweating fever and increased thirst Rapid pulse and numbness and tingling Snake bite treatment: First Aid: Wash the bite with soap and water. Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. Cover the area with cloth and monitor vital signs. Doctor gives Anti snake venom. Please comment on this article. A female patient aged about 25 years old was brought to the hospital at around 2PM with a history of cobra bite. She is conscious and slightly apprehensive. I gave Anti Snake venom (ASV) injections. I advised them to go to district hospital which is more than 100 km away. But, they were reluctant to go. I advised her be bold and did not go into panic. There was gradual improvement in the condition. … [Read more...]
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