Rhabdomyolysis Case Study

Rhabdomyolysis is a severe syndrome caused by a direct or indirect skeletal muscle injury. The damage sustained results in the muscle fibres releasing myoglobin, creatine kinase, potassium and other proteins and ions into the bloodstream [1]. The breakdown products produced by myoglobin can results in kidney damage and the high levels of blood potassium can result in cardiac arrest. Severe muscle trauma can also cause damage and leakage of blood vessels, resulting in an increased level of pressure within the muscle compartments [2]. This condition, known as compartment syndrome, prevents the flow of blood to and from the affected tissue and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. The following report will discuss a clinical case of a patient involved in a car accident. The accident caused a severe crush injury to his legs, leading to the potential of the aforementioned conditions. Furthermore, the patient's cranial nerve examination will be analysed to evaluate the level of head trauma sustained in the accident. …show more content…
Upon admittance he was semicomatose and confused. He had suffered abrasions to his face, a laceration to his left thigh and bruising to both thighs. His extremities were cold and sweaty, his blood pressure was 90/60mmHg and his pulse rate was 130beats/min. The paramedics had also reported a litre of blood had been lost at the scene. In order to rectify this, 3L of saline was administered. The patient was then catheterized as he was unable to pass urine. 36 hours later his blood pressure had increased to 130/85mmHg, his pulse had returned to normal sinus rhythm and his urine output remained low and discoloured. A full cranial nerve examination was then conducted, as the patient showed signs of head