On examination he was having some difficulty
breathing and articulating. His pulse rate
was 96/minute, blood pressure 160/100 mm
Hg, and respiratory rate 20/minute. His limbs
were symmetrically flaccid with a grade 2/5
weakness and absent deep tendon reflexes. He
obeyed commands and his pupils were constricted.
His oxygen saturation, breathing
100% oxygen, was 100%, arterial oxygen
tension 13.3 kPa, carbon dioxide tension 4.9
kPa, and pH 7.37. Routine biochemistry and
coagulation profile were normal. He did not
require intubation or ventilation, was given
intravenous fluids, nil by mouth, and nursed on
his side.