The longer you’re in a hospital, the crazier the things you see become. This is a running list of bizarre lab values, vital signs, and other oddities that I have seen. I’ll do my best to keep this somewhat up to date.
- Ammonia Level: 830 – July 2009 (normal < 80)
- Blood Alcohol Content: 409 – October 2009 (5x the legal limit)
- Systolic BP: 280 – October 2009 (normal is 120, emergency is >180)
- Extreme Procedure Award: Bedside Craniotomy and Grid Removal – July 2009
- Worst Reason for an Ambulance Ride: ”I’ve got a toothache” – June 2009
26 year old grandmother. Top that.
By: BE is better than you on November 17, 2009
at 15:50
Worst Reason for an Ambulance Ride: “I swallowed an oyster and now my throat hurts” On exam: perfectly fine, no retained shell, no difficulty swallowing…nothing
By: Corey on February 13, 2010
at 13:22