25
Apr
Loaded Question
Most ER docs have a standard series of general knowledge/awareness questions we ask patients with altered mental status.
Most doctors ask “Who is the president of United States?” as one of the questions. I’ve completely stopped asking that question now. If the person knows the answer invariably they either start spouting out how much they love or despise the president-sometimes to the point of making racist comments.
From now on I’m asking the question “what’s the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?” less likely to get anybody riled up.