What short and long-term health risks would you suspect this patient faces?

The emergency medical services (EMS) team has brought a 54-year-old female patient
to the emergency department where you are working. The EMS personnel state that
the patient was found wandering in a nearby park by a jogger, who called 911 from her
cell phone after the woman screamed obscenities at her and then fell, seriously
scraping her arm and face. The woman is bleeding, disoriented, combative, and
accusing the EMS team of stealing her purse. Her hands are shaking severely, and she
is shouting at the doctors and nurses that she needs a bottle. The woman’s clothing is
dirty, and you can smell stale body odor and urine.
Critical thinking Questions
1. Based on your first impressions of this patient’s actions and appearance, what do
you suspect she is suffering from?
2. What short and long-term health risks would you suspect this patient faces?
3. Why do you think the patient’s hands are shaking, and what do you think causes
her confusion and combativeness?
4. What assessments do you think are needed for this patient?
Research Question
Mental illness management includes both pharmacological and other therapeutic
methods for treatment. Summarize how this is managed and the support of insurance.
Is it sufficient? What could make it better.

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