Diagnostic Error & Anchoring Bias in a Patient with Schizophrenia

A 55-year-old man with schizophrenia, and recent open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair was admitted for new abdominal pain. The abdominal aortic aneurysm repair had been complicated by the development of intraabdominal abscesses, which had been treated with antibiotics and drainage and the patient was discharged. Three days later he presented to the Emergency Department for new abdominal pain. On presentation, the patient was agitated and combative with providers. He reported “total body pain” and abdominal pain.