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Sudden Fever With Rapid Dropping In Oxygen. Put On Ventilator. All Reports Normal. Possible Causes ?
55year old female with 104.5 fever of unexplained origin for a week on ventilator came off vent for two days had rapid dropping o2 and sob put on vent all blood spetum and urine cultures negative head ct negative white count 15 what could cause this. Also when awake would not follow commands and appeared to be very confused. Would trail with eyes nod appropriately and move all extremities on her own
Thu, 12 Dec 2013
Dear friend,
It is likely with such a fever that an infection was the original trigger; now after being on a ventilator for some time, the risks of yet another infection, hospital acquired pneumonia increase, and this would be consistent with the rapid drops in the O2 sats. Many times, we just can't isolate an organism and need empiric antibiotics.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic
It is likely with such a fever that an infection was the original trigger; now after being on a ventilator for some time, the risks of yet another infection, hospital acquired pneumonia increase, and this would be consistent with the rapid drops in the O2 sats. Many times, we just can't isolate an organism and need empiric antibiotics.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic
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