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...]