NURS 6501 A 27-year-old patient with a history of substance abuse is found unresponsive by emergency medical services (EMS) after being called by the patient’s roommate. (answered) 2022

Patient BackgroundA 27-year-old patient with a history of substance abuse is found unresponsive by emergency medical services (EMS) after being called by the patient's roommate. The roommate states that he does not know how long the patient had been lying there. The patient received naloxone in the field and has become responsive. He complains of burning pain over his left hip and forearm. Evaluation in the ED revealed a large amountof necrotic tissue over the greater trochanter and the forearm. EKG demonstrated prolonged PR interval and peaked T waves. Serum potassium level 6.9 mEq/L.PathophysiologyThe patient is experiencing Rhabdomyolysis due to prolonged immobility related to prolonged unresponsiveness attributed to narcotic overdose. Diagnosis is based on the patient being unresponsive for an unknown length of time, elevated serum potassium level, and necrotic tissue. The combined elements cause a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and cells. The EKG results are prolonged PR interval and peakedT waves, which relate to elevated serum potassium levels.Diagnosis and ManagementRhabdomyolysis involves the rapid dissolution of damaged skeletal muscle cells due to prolonged immobility. The disruption of skeletal muscle integrity leads to the immediate release of intracellular muscle components that involves myoglobin, creatine kinase, aldolase, and lactate dehydrogenase along with electrolytes, including potassium (Torres et al., 2015). This patient's elevated serum potassium level is due to his damaged skeletal muscle releasing potassium. He may also be hyperkalemic because of overdosing. Hypoxia can lead to hyperkalemia by diminishing t