Causes of sudden diaphoresis

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I had a patient in icu who is septic and has history of diabetic...his breathing was also hard... Had some crackles in lungs but no lung or cardiac history... I was starting an IV sitting besides to him... All of a sudden he sweats fully.. His whole dress and sheets were wet.... I checked his sugar which was normal... I checked blood pressure which was normal... And pt denies chest pain... I can't think more than that.. Could anyone help me...

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He had antibiotics, morphine, torodol, Valium from morning... It happened in mid afternoon

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Sepsis? Increased work of breathing? Altered metabolism r/t sepsis, diabetes, stress of a critical illness? Fever breaking?

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Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.
I was starting an IV sitting besides to him

Needle phobia?

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

Yes, I was thinking the same thing regarding a vasovagal respone due to the sight of the needle...i.e. white coat syndrome

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He is ok with needles... Often his IV site fails to co operate and we change it... He is cooperative with that... Speaking about fever ... He had no fever for past two days..

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Did it happen during the IV placement? I have had patients vagal during placement without any type of phobia. One of them actually passed out just from the needle puncturing the vessel.

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Specializes in ICU.

Was his breathing more labored than before? on O2? SPO2? CXR? Does he need BiPap? Temp? does he have a foley yet? Is he making urine? Maybe he needs a foley.

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Specializes in Vascular Access.

If you were performing venipuncture, he most likely had a Vasovagel response to the line placement. Yes, they can say they have no problems with IV placement, but their body says otherwise. The pt may break out in a cold sweat, and become hypotensive. It usually is NOT under there control.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Vagal. The body under stress is more prone to it. No anxiety required.

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maybe hyperhidrosis? ha-ha jk

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