Question

A man staggers into the clinic. He is known to be a heavy cocaine and alcohol user. Part of the clinical data gathered includes a urine sample, which is very dark in color. He complains of weakness and has a "small" seizure in the exam room. The practitioner suspects that he may have ____?

1) Alcohol poisoning
2) Cocaine overdose
3) Seizure disorder
4) Kidney failure

Answer 1

The man's symptoms, including very dark urine, weakness, and a seizure, suggest he may have kidney failure, possibly as a result of his heavy cocaine and alcohol usage which can lead to acute kidney injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The practitioner suspects that the man may have kidney failure. The very dark urine color, coupled with his weakness and the seizure, are suggestive indicators. Abuse of substances like cocaine and alcohol can lead to acute kidney injury, a serious and sudden impairment of kidney function that requires immediate medical attention. Chronic alcohol consumption, in particular, can cause abnormalities in blood ion concentration and acid-base balance, which is dangerous and reflects negatively on the excretory system. If kidney functions are seriously impaired, the person might experience symptoms including weakness, seizures, anemia, metabolic acidosis, and more.