Case #3: A 38-year-old male with a history of intractable backpain was brought to the emergency room due to decreased level ofconsciousness, nausea and vomiting. He has a history of spinalfusion secondary to a spinal injury 2-3 years prior. Hesubsequently had severe chronic back pain for which he had beenprescribed a variety of narcotic analgesics. According to familymembers he had taken an estimated 12 hydrocodone/acetaminophenpills (10mg/500mg each) per day for 3 days prior to admission.
What is the most likely cause of this patient’s symptoms? (1pt)
2. What are the adverse effects associated with this compound?(Hint: Organ impact) What laboratory values support the conclusionthat this patient is experiencing these adverse effects? (2pts)
What was the cause of the positive opiates in the drugs of abusescreen? Explain your answer. (1 pt)
