A memorable patient: A lie softly spoken

doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7346.1122

BMJ 2002;324:1122 ( 11 May )

Filler

A memorable patient

A lie softly spoken

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

She was a vivid patchwork of red and black from ankles to neck, surrounded by a miasma of singed hair and charred flesh. Evenfrom the end of the trolley, the story and outcome were obvious $---$ acooker fire, a burning nightgown, dripping molten rivulets downher legs and pooling on her feet. She'd been lying for severalhours before discovery, and, although conscious on admission tocasualty, she was clearlymoribund.

Awoken from a deep sleep, I performed on autopilot: wide bore intravenous lines, fluids, intubation $---$ all textbook ATLS stuff.A secondary survey confirmed our first glance impression. Thedecision was straightforward (she had no relatives, was elderly,and with more than 70% burns): admit to intensive care, keep comfortable,and allow her to die. Filled with opiate, she died several hourslater.

My most meaningful contribution to her care had been to talk softly to her as I . . . [Full text of this article]

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This article has been cited by other articles:

Lewis, W, Grant, A (2003). "The dark side of the spectrum ..." a "day of suffering" for medical students. Med. Humanities 29: 43-45 [Abstract] [Full text]

Rapid Responses:

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No lie.: Michael J Gilkes
bmj.com, 13 May 2002 [Full text]
What is Truth?: Michael J Priestley
bmj.com, 13 May 2002 [Full text]
Where is the lie?: Sammy A. Renda
bmj.com, 14 May 2002 [Full text]
To Lie or Not To Lie = ?: Sundeep Nayak
bmj.com, 14 May 2002 [Full text]
It is not a lie at all.: Shailendra Goswami
bmj.com, 14 May 2002 [Full text]
NICE: Deepak G Thomas
bmj.com, 14 May 2002 [Full text]
Re: To Lie or Not To Lie = ?: Deepak Thomas
bmj.com, 14 May 2002 [Full text]