A 54-year-old male was brought to the ED five days after he had attempted suicide by ingesting 5 ounces (148 cc) of mercury. He presented with fatigue, weakness, irritability, an outburst of temper, and imbalance. He had a medical history of degenerative joint disease, depression, substance abuse, and childhood burn. He denied any changes in hearing, vision, tremors, pain, nausea, or diarrhea. The patient was alert and well-oriented.
His vital signs included BP 144/96 mmHg, RR: 16 bpm, HR: 74 beats per minute, and temperature 96.3 F. Neurological examination showed no abnormalities. His abdomen was distended and non-tender with normoactive bowel sounds. Other physical examinations showed no abnormalities. Laboratory examination : Hemoglobin: 13.9 gm/dL Creatinine: 1.4 mg/dL Potassium: 3.5 mg/dL Serum mercury level: 110 µg/L Urine mercury level: 37 µg/L His urine test was positive for…
