Care of the woman who has been raped
Article Abstract:
Health care professionals should be aware the physical, psychological and legal aspects of rape when caring for female rape victims. Informed consent is needed before a rape victim can be physically examined. The patient should be assured of her safety and compassion and professionalism are important for the care-giver. A woman should be present if a male doctor is performing the examination. Medical examination should involve obtaining the patient's medical and psychiatric history, treating injuries, obtaining cultures, offering postcoital contraception, and providing for psychological counseling. The events of the examination should be accurately recorded, as should the patient's recollection of the episode. The patient's clothing should be examined for signs of the physical assault, and physical specimens from the perpetrator, such as blood, semen and hair, should be collected if found. Long-term follow-up care of the patient should be provided.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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A 68-year-old woman with hepatic encephalopathy
Article Abstract:
A 68-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital with the signs of heart failure and lethargy. She had a history of rheumatoid arthritis for which she took methotrexate. An abdominal ultrasound revealed fatty changes in her liver. An elevated iron count suggested that she probably had genetic hemochromatosis, which is characterized by excessive iron deposits in many organs. She also had an alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. A liver biopsy showed evidence of liver cirrhosis and iron deposits. Methotrexate also could have contributed to her liver disease.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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A 50-year-old woman with cardiac disease, an electronic pacemaker, and cardiac arrest in ventricular fibrillation
Article Abstract:
A 50-year-old woman with an electronic pacemaker died of complications from a cardiac arrest two days after being admitted to the hospital. The patient had a history of heart block and abnormal left ventricle function. She had collapsed in an elevator, remained hypotensive, and did not respond to a variety of stimuli. Life support was discontinued after consulting the patient's family. Autopsy revealed fatty and fibrous tissue in the heart septum and left ventricle, suggesting active myocardial sarcoidosis that had spread to other organs as well.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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