What symptoms might cause a patient to be combative after a suspected drowning?

A patient who is combative after a suspected drowning is often experiencing a combination of hypoxia and hypoglycemia. When an individual is submerged in water, the lack of oxygen (hypoxia) can lead to confusion, agitation, and erratic behavior. The brain's response to low oxygen levels can result in a fight-or-flight reaction, making the patient appear combative.

Hypoglycemia, which is characterized by low blood sugar levels, can further exacerbate confusion and aggressive behavior. This can occur if the patient has not been able to consume food and water for an extended period, possibly due to the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

Thus, the combination of hypoxia from drowning and the effects of hypoglycemia contributes to the combative behavior observed in the patient. Understanding these physiological processes is crucial for first responders in the management of drowning victims, as it informs their assessment and subsequent care.