[from www.stoppagingme.com]
Originally characterized in 1961 by Dr. Jonas Gomeski as a triad, it was redescribed by 2 physicians in 2001 and named the Bernstein-Safirstein Pentad, or, the Post-Call pentad. When all 5 criteria are met, there is a 30% increased risk of seizure.
1. Autonomic Instability - Hot and cold flashes, orthostatic changes, excessive diuresis. These are all commonly associated symptoms of the post-call housestaffer, and usually the first sign that o*ne has been up all night, tortured by numerous other individuals. For men, this may also include the feared priapism phenomenon.
2. Abundant Perineal Diaphoresis - aka "swamp ass." With a sensitivity of 90%, this symptom is the surest signal that you are post-call. An uncomfortable, warm, moist feeling, that says: "I need a shower."
3. Halitosis - This isn't your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, bad breath. This is when your teeth feel like they're wearing a sweater, and a whiff of your own breath nearly makes you gag. Coffee, generic ginger ale, hospital food, and 40 minutes of sleep. Refer to Top 5 Call Room Tips to partially alleviate this problem.
4. Hyperflatulence - Beware of those housestaffers that manifest this typical post-call sign. If you can tolerate the smell, this person will be a constant source of comedy until they go home.
5. Altered Mental Status - Can range from "transient ******ation," to emotional lability, delirium, and even psychosis. It is not uncommon to see overworked interns swing from laughing to crying in a matter of minutes.
Originally characterized in 1961 by Dr. Jonas Gomeski as a triad, it was redescribed by 2 physicians in 2001 and named the Bernstein-Safirstein Pentad, or, the Post-Call pentad. When all 5 criteria are met, there is a 30% increased risk of seizure.
1. Autonomic Instability - Hot and cold flashes, orthostatic changes, excessive diuresis. These are all commonly associated symptoms of the post-call housestaffer, and usually the first sign that o*ne has been up all night, tortured by numerous other individuals. For men, this may also include the feared priapism phenomenon.
2. Abundant Perineal Diaphoresis - aka "swamp ass." With a sensitivity of 90%, this symptom is the surest signal that you are post-call. An uncomfortable, warm, moist feeling, that says: "I need a shower."
3. Halitosis - This isn't your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, bad breath. This is when your teeth feel like they're wearing a sweater, and a whiff of your own breath nearly makes you gag. Coffee, generic ginger ale, hospital food, and 40 minutes of sleep. Refer to Top 5 Call Room Tips to partially alleviate this problem.
4. Hyperflatulence - Beware of those housestaffers that manifest this typical post-call sign. If you can tolerate the smell, this person will be a constant source of comedy until they go home.
5. Altered Mental Status - Can range from "transient ******ation," to emotional lability, delirium, and even psychosis. It is not uncommon to see overworked interns swing from laughing to crying in a matter of minutes.
