MEDECINE INTERNE (Emergency)

A 40-year-old man is brought to the emergency room after his wife found him alone in a confused state. He admits to overdosing in a suicide attempt, but does not specify the drug taken. En route to the hospital, he is drowsy and ataxic with blurred vision. His past medical history is significant for asthma, insomnia, depression, and substance abuse. His temperature is 38.3C (100F), blood pressure is 130/80mm Hg, pulse is 100/min, and respirations are 22/min. Examination shows dry mucus membranes and skin; pupils are 8mm bilaterally. There is no neck stiffness. Lungs are clear to auscultation. Heart sounds are within normal limits. Abdominal examination shows reduced bowel sounds with no tenderness. A Foley catheter is placed in the ER and 600 ml of urine is collected over one hour. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 46-year-old male is admitted to the hospital because of right hand cellulitis. He has a history of intravenous drug use, hepatitis C infection and septic arthritis of the knee. He smokes one pack of cigarettes and drinks one pint of vodka daily. He is started on vancomycin. On the following day, the swelling and redness of his arm decreases. However, he complains of bugs crawling on his skin. His temperature is 38.3C (100.9 F), blood pressure is 160/90 mm Hg, pulse is 110/min, and respirations are 18/min. Examination shows mild hand tremors and diaphoresis Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 35-year-old woman is brought to the emergency room after an apparent suicide attempt. Her current prescription of imipramine was found at her bedside along with a suicide note. En route to the hospital, she suffered a seizure. She has been treated with many different anti-depressants over the past several years without improvement. Her temperature is 38.3C (101F), blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, pulse is 120/min and respirations are 24/min. EKG shows QRS widening (0.18sec). She is given sodium bicarbonate along with supportive treatment. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism that explains the beneficial effects of sodium bicarbonate?