A 75-year-old patient who has a history
of atrial fibrillation, but who was otherwise
usually well, presented to the emergency
department (ED) complaining of cough
and fever. She had been coughing for
two days and was producing thick sputum.
She had a temperature of 38.8°C, respiratory
rate of 22 breaths per minute, oxygen
saturations of 94 per cent on air, a pulse of
116 beats per minute and blood pressure
of 102/68. She was diagnosed with severe
chest infection. She did not feel hot and was
asking for additional blankets to keep warm.