First Aid - Danger Shop, Friday, Period 5 [Week 6]

[drywitmartini.livejournal.com]

The Danger Shop was set up like a waiting room again. Magazines and medical journals, a kids' table with toys and plates of cookies were scattered around the room, all circa 1960. The cookies weren't from 1960. They were real and fresh.

"Symptoms can look a lot alike. How can you tell the difference between a simple illness and something serious? The truth is, it takes years of practice and studying. You don't have time for that yet, so we're going to go through a case study so you can get a feel for what you should be looking for and how you should approach a potential emergency. One at a time, come through to the examination room. It's your choice if you come in. I won't try to force you. While it's not your turn, help yourselves to the reading material and the cookies."

Comments

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[drywitmartini.livejournal.com]

"It certainly doesn't hurt. Knowing only what you know now, what would you do physically to try to check out his heart?"

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[abitlegless.livejournal.com]

"Listen to it," he said promptly. "See if it sounds strange or if it's beating too fast or too slow."

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[drywitmartini.livejournal.com]

Hawkeye reached over to the tray beside the exam bed and picked up a stethoscope. He handed it to Hiccup. "These parts go in your ears. The round part goes where you want to listen to. Mr Harris, can you lift up your shirt?"

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[abitlegless.livejournal.com]

Hiccup accepted the stethoscope, resisted the urge to examine it more closely, and fit it into his ears. When Mr Harrise lifted his shirt, he pressed the round part against his chest. "Hey, I can hear it! This is so clear."

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[drywitmartini.livejournal.com]

Hawkeye's voice would have sounded muffled now. "Think about what your heart sounds like. You can put your hand on your chest if you need to check."

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[abitlegless.livejournal.com]

Hiccup nodded and put his hand on his chest, frowning as he compared the two. "Sounds about the same to me," he, well, just about yelled, small and unfortunate side-effect of having his ears blocked.

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[drywitmartini.livejournal.com]

He let Hiccup listen as long as he wanted, then waved his hand to get the stethoscope back. "Chest pain, but it comes and goes. No other signs of pain, no apparent shortness of breath, no headache and he's up and alert and his heart sounds strong. What's the diagnosis?"

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[abitlegless.livejournal.com]

Hiccup returned it, albeit reluctantly. "I'm going to say too much spicy food and maybe he should lay off the Tabasco."

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[drywitmartini.livejournal.com]

"I agree. Mr Harris, you heard the man. Get yourself some Pepto-Bismol for the heartburn." He turned back to Hiccup. "Heart problems will usually cause more symptoms of pain in the arms. We could check his blood pressure and more modern technology has little machines that read how your heart's pumping. Mr Harris didn't show any signs of a serious problem, but if you're ever doubtful, get the patient to a doctor."

Re: Join Hawkeye for a Patient Exam

[abitlegless.livejournal.com]

Hiccup was pleased to have come up with the right answer and he looked it. "I'll remember," he promised, giving Hawkeye and Mr Harris a quick smile. "And I'll go send the next person in," he added as he ducked out the door.