With a strong clinical suspicion for toxic alcohol ingestion, an ethanol drip is ordered, but due to pharnacy delay, the patient is orally loaded with 85 proof whiskey obtained from another patient in the ER waiting room. Sodium Bicarbonate is administered for the profound acidosis, Urine is positive for calcium oxalate crystals. Dialysis is initiated by the renal service, after which an ethylene glycol level of 310 mg/dl returns 12 hours later. The patient recovers with mild renal insufficiency, and is subsequently followed-up by the psychiatric service for his depression.
