Case Background
You are the FY1 doctor on the gastroenterology ward. The nurse has alerted you about a 56-year-old man with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis who has become febrile, developed altered mental status and is complaining of abdominal pain .
He was admitted three days ago due to decompensated liver disease, with tense ascites. His ascites required paracentesis on admission, with results of the fluid analysis pending.
The nurse reports that his NEWS score is 7
Respiratory Rate (RR): 20 breaths/min
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂): 96% on room air
Temperature: 38.3°C
Blood Pressure (BP): 109/62 mmHg
Pulse: 123 bpm
Consciousness: Confused
What would you do next?
Perform an A-E!
