What Causes Weight Loss And Right Upper Quadrant Pain After Vicodin Intake?
Patient overdosed on Vicodin and alcohol. In ED, she received Narcan and activated charcoal. She lied to medical staff about amount of Vicodin ingested.She did not receive Tylenol antidote.
Three weeks later, she has been/is experiencing the following: weight loss, nausea, hair loss, RUQ tenderness, mild abdominal distention, bruising, frequent nosebleeds, insomnia, and headaches. No labs are yet available.
I realize lab results are needed for an accurate prognosis, but any idea on it with information provided?
Patient may have had jaundice in first few days but not currently.
some work up and physician review
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare Magic!
Tylenol antidote needs to be given during initial hours of poisoning.
The weight loss and right upper quadrant pain are hard signs and should be investigated and patient must be examined by a local physician.
Alcoholic patients are at high risk for developing liver abscess, cholecystitis and pleurisy all of which tend to produce similar symptoms.
I would order a Complete blood counts, liver function test, Chest Xray and an Ultrasound whole abdomen to start with. If these tests are performed at the ER, I would like to review them. If not, encourage the patient to visit a doctor and discuss about it.
I hope the advise would be informative and useful for you.
Take Care!