Case Study 32

The Scenario: An Itchy Rash

The Setting

You are leading a college spring break backpacking trip in a remote area of the Grand Canyon. One of your participants develops a rash on his belly that begins to spread.

SOAP Report

Subjective

The patient is a 19-year-old male who developed a skin rash that has spread over 30% of his body.

Objective

Patient Exam: At 1600 hrs March 6 the patient has a red raised bumpy rash that does not have blisters. He states it began this morning on his belly and has spread through the day to cover his lower back, abdomen, and the front of his thighs. The rash produces a constant itching. There is a vague sensation of chest tightness but no shortness of breath and no respiratory involvement.

rash.jpg 

Vital Signs

TIME 

1615 hrs

 

LOR

A+Ox4

 

HR

72, strong, regular

 

RR

16, regular, unlabored

 

SCTM

pink, warm, dry

 

BP

radiul pulses present

 

Pupils

PERRL

 

Temp

98.9°F (37.1°C) oral

 

History

Symptoms:

None stated other than the itching rash

 

Allergies:

Seasonal hay fever.

 

Medications:

Claritin for seasonal allergies. Not taking the medication at this time.

 

Pertinent Hx:

Pt has never had a response like this. He had shortness of breath and throat swelling in response to a bee sting several years ago and was prescribed an Epipen®. He has not had a response since and does not know the location of his EpiPen® .

 

Last in/out:

Patient is well-hydrated; normal clear urine and bowel movements today.

 

Events:

Patient has been backpacking for the past three days. No new medications taken. He does not consider the backpacking ration a change in his food types.

Stop ...

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