What workup do you consider necessary for “medical clearance” when patients present to the emergency department with altered mental status and possible psychiatric illness?
The concept of “medical clearance” prior to psychiatric admission varies widely across institutions.
Which laboratory tests or studies do you routinely obtain, if any? How do you navigate situations where patients decline laboratory testing or other elements of medical evaluation?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Psychiatry · Boston Children's Hospital
Answered on
In the emergency room, whenever there is a question of altered mental status, we request UA+UTOX, CBC, CMP incl. LFTs, thyroid panel, B12, folate, b-HCG if applicable, and any related plasma medication levels +EKG. Based on a patient's substance use history or medical history, we might order additio...
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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Psychiatry · South Broward Hospital District
Answered on
CMP (not BMP), CBC, UA, and drug screen for most.
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