What are the Physical Signs and Laboratory Values on Admission to the Hospital?
Physical findings on admission to the hospital may include lethargy, abdominal tenderness, purpura (bruising), swelling, or dehydration, depending on the net fluid balance. Occasionally, patients may be comatose. Features on admission that portend a severe or fatal outcome include coma, rectal prolapse, decreased or absent urine output (oligoanuria), or white blood cell count (WBC) greater than 20 x 109/l (i.e., greater than 20,000).
