A patient on the mend suddenly develops cardiovascular problems. The patient, a 73-year-old white woman, was recuperating uneventfully from surgery for diverticular disease. Ms. C was on the rehabilitation unit, receiving physical therapy and doing well. Early one morning, as we entered her room during rounds, she took us by surprise when she complained of…
At first glance, the diagnosis did not fit the patient’s profile. Further examination produced unexpected results. Ms. W, a 53-year-old African American, had a two-day history of shortness of breath both at rest and during regular daily activities. She noted increased fatigue, constipation, and a 10- to 15-lb weight loss in the past six weeks…
Sleep aids have become big business for the pharmaceutical industry. In 2006 alone, prescription drug sales for somnolence agents in the United States topped $3.6 billion.1 Unfortunately, the majority of the most popular prescription sleep aids are in the benzodiazepine class and carry the potential for addiction and abuse. Amidst these manufactured drugs, simple melatonin…
