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My Books Too many sex books are filled with fluff. This one isn't. Cast away your preconceptions of sex books as being a rehash of things you already know and hence a waste of time. By reading this book, you will learn things that Dr. Ruth and other sexologists have never considered.
Have an interesting ER story? If I use it, I'll give you a free book. For more Q & A, see my Test your knowledge of ER terms by solving my ER crossword puzzle that was featured in the Prudential Securities Healthcare Group 2002 calendar. Or take the ER-MCAT to see if you have what it takes to be an ER physician. Including my:
Amy reviews ER computer games Introducing a clever new way to safeguard your home from burglars that is inexpensive, easy to use, and even more effective than elaborate security systems.
Tell a friend about this page by e-mail Do you care if wild animals needlessly suffer and die during wintertime? If so, see www.shelteranimals.org. |
Taillight Sign “Mrs. Olner,” you begin. The old lady opens her eyes and inspects you through trifocals. The lenses of the glasses are smudged with fingerprints. “Hello, doctor.” “What brings you to the Emergency Department?” “My son, Ronnie.” “No, I meant what kind of problem?” “I guess they thought I needed to come.” “Who’s they?” “Ronnie. And his wife, Rita. I stay with them. They take care of me.” “What do you think? Is anything bothering you?” “No.” “Are you hurting anywhere?” “In my back.” “When did that begin?” “Oh, 10 or 15 years ago. I’ve got osteoporosis, you know.” “Are you having any new symptoms?” “My bowels aren’t moving like they should.” “When did that begin?” “I’ve had that all my life.” “Not possible,” Able answers. “Why not?” “They’ve fled the scene. Outa’ here. Adios, amigos. A classic case, I’d call it.” “A classic case? What do you mean?” “A Granny Drop. Also known as a positive Taillight Sign. When the family
wants a weekend off from caring for an elderly person, they drop the aged one “Mrs. Olner’s family really left?” “Yep. And in case you missed it, Mrs. Olner also has a positive Suitcase Sign
— the family packed her suitcase so she can stay at the Hometown Hospital You shake your head in disbelief, yet recognize that Nurse Able speaks from
her thousands-of-shifts experience in the emergency department.
You proceed to examine Mrs. Olner. Physically, she is fine. Mentally, her
mind wanders. You cannot deem her responsible for her own self-care. “Dr. Jones, I’ve got one of your patients here, 88 year-old Emma Olner. Nothing new with her, but her family dropped her here and took off. She’s unable to take care of herself. If we send her home, I’m afraid she might burn down the house or something. There’s no way we can get social services to find her a sitter at 9 P.M. on a Friday night. And, if we send her to a homeless persons’ shelter, someone might take advantage of her.” A deep sigh emanates from the other end of the phone. “Her family has done this twice before,” reports Dr. Jones. “By the time social services finds a sitter or a nursing home bed, Mrs. Olner’s family shows up and reclaims the old lady.” “Then you’ll admit her?” “Yes, I will. Medicare may not pay, but we still have to think of the patient first. At least for now, we need to protect her by putting her in the hospital. I will ask social services to investigate the home situation, though. This is a form of negligence.” “I agree. Thank you for putting the patient first, Dr. Jones.” Back to Pezzi's page of book reviews
If you want a beautiful garage that is easy to keep organized, see the GarageScapes web site: www.GarageScapes.com.
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Copyright © 1995 - 2008 by Kevin Pezzi, MD. All rights reserved.
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