The Canine Clinical Clue

In a busy emergency department in Denver, Ben and Laura clash over a triage decision regarding an elderly patient.

The Canine Clinical Clue

Listen and choose the right answer

Why does Ben want to admit Mrs. Gable?

• Because he has a strong clinical instinct despite her normal ECG.
• Because she has severe chest pain and high blood pressure.
• Because her primary care doctor requested an immediate admission.

What non-medical factor first raised Ben's suspicion about the patient's condition?

• A phone call from the patient's worried daughter.
• The unusual behavior of the patient's pet dog.
• A previous medical error recorded in her electronic chart.

What does Laura worry about if they keep Mrs. Gable in the emergency department?

• A potential conflict with the laboratory technicians.
• Worsening the existing overcrowding and corridor care issues.
• Exposing the patient to hospital-acquired infections.

What are the final laboratory results for Mrs. Gable?

• Her troponin levels are significantly elevated, confirming Ben's suspicion.
• Her blood test is completely normal, confirming Laura's initial assessment.
• Her oxygen saturation has dropped dangerously low.

Listen again and complete the sentences

• Laura: Seriously, Ben? She's an ____ who presented with a vague complaint of fatigue, and our waiting times are already horrific.
• Ben: I know, but even though she has no chest pain, this feels like an ____ of something cardiac.
• Laura: Despite your gut instinct, we can't admit everyone with ____ just because you have a weird feeling.
• Ben: It's not just a feeling; she has ____ like mild diaphoresis, whereas a classic presentation would be much more obvious.
• Laura: While I respect your clinical acumen, her ____ are non-existent, and she just wants to go home to her dog.

Sources: photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels