A 23-year-old man has been brought to your ED by AFP and paramedics from a nearby airport. There are concerns that the man is a drug mule and he has been arrested. He states he is normally well and on no medications. He is polite and cooperative and denies any involvement with illicit drugs.

  • HR 112 bpm
  • BP 142/90
  • Sats 100% on air
  • GCS 15
T 37.5°C

Suspected drug mule ingestion

1. Explain the difference between a body packer and a body stuffer. 2 marks

2. Outline five points in your management of this patient. 5 marks

3. List five clinical findings you would advise your resus nurse to look out for. 5 marks