Better add two cc. of cortisone to the transfusion."  Hanson tried to sit up, but his arms refused to bear his weight.
Hanson's arms were unable to hold him up. 
mnli hypothesis: Hanson's arms were unable to hold him up.  premise: Better add two cc. of cortisone to the transfusion."  Hanson tried to sit up, but his arms refused to bear his weight.