How to Approach an APS Consultation

Dr. Walpole: I first look at the consult request and call the primary team to discuss what is going on clinically with the patient. Next comes chart review. Look for all classes of pain medicines like NSAIDs, acetaminophen, guava pentanoids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants in addition to opiates. After medication review I review vitals for any abnormalities. This helps give a clinical picture of how acutely ill the patient is. For example if a patient has multiple desaturations I would be much more judicious with medications that would affect breathing.