Acute Flashcards
Excluding pain and pallor, give other clinical features of an acutely ischaemic limb
Pulseless Paralysis Paraesthesia/numbness Cold Fixed staining /mottling of skin Capillary refil time over 2 secs
Give examination findings of a patient that may indicate embolic source of ischaemic limb
AF/irregularly irregular pulse AAA Popliteal artery aneurysm Mechanical heart valve New or changed murmur Femoral bruits
Give features of an affected limb which would suggest irreversible ischaemia
Fixed staining /mottling of skin
Gangrene / necrosis
Profound paralysis
Severe sensory deficit
How do you calculate an ankle brachial pressure index?
BP in leg / BP in arm
What does an ABPI result of 0.4 show?
Severe arterial disease
In a patient with an ABPI of 0.4 and symptoms and signs of a critically ischaemic limb, give mediation which should be immediately prescribed and route of administration
IV heparin or subcutaneous LMWH
What is phlegmasia cerulea dolens?
Severe form of DVT which results from extensive thrombotic occlusion of major and collateral veins of an extremity
What are characteristic features of phlegmasia cerulea dolens?
Sudden severe pain
Swelling
Cyanosis
Oedema of affected limb
What is there a high risk of with phlegmasia cerulea dolens?
PE
Venous gangrene
Underlying malignancy
What are signs and symptoms of TCA overdose?
Tachycardia/arrhythmia Tachypnoea due to metabolic acidosis Urinary retention Dilated pupils Pyrexia Hyperreflexia Hypotension
What problems can occur if c diff goes untreated?
Dehydration
Perforation
Obstruction
A 38 year old female attends ED after falling onto muddy path in park. She has grazes on both knees and a very deep wound to her left thenar eminence. An X-ray of hand confirms presence of foreign body. The patient says she is fully immunised against tetanus. According to the Department of Health guidance, what should be done?
Immediate dose of tetanus immunoglobulin
A 24 year old man presents with left chest trauma. A CT thorax shows multiple fractured ribs and a lung contusion. On the second day he develops worsening dyspnoea and hypoxia. What is the likely pathology?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
What is acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Lungs begin to fill with fluid due to activation of the inflammatory cascade resulting in impaired gas exchange
A 74 year old man develops oliguria following an emergency open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation, his serum creatinine rises to 600. What is going on?
Acute kidney injury
A 24 year old alcoholic man with severe acute pancreatitis ha been admitted to intensive care. Despite aggressive management he has developed cardiac, respiratory and renal failure. What is going on?
Multi organ dysfunction syndrome
A 19 year old lady is admitted to ITU with severe meningococcal sepsis. She is on maximal inotropic support and a CT scan of her chest and abdomen is performed. The adrenal glands show evidence of diffuse haemorrhage. What is the diagnosis?
Waterhouse Friderichsen syndrome
A 38 year old man is noted to have a blood pressure or 175/110 on routine screening. On examination there are no abnormalities of note. CT scan shows a left sided adrenal mass. Plasma metanephrines are elevated. What is the diagnosis?
Phaeochromocytoma
What are clinical features of a thoracic aorta rupture?
Mechanism of injury - RTA, fall from height
Contained haematoma - persistent hypotension
CXR changes: widened mediastinum, tracheal deviation to right, depression of left main stem bronchus, widened paratrachal stripe, space between aorta and pulmonary artery obliterated
Rib fracture/ left haemothorax
What percentage body surface area burns should be transferred to a burns unit in children and adults?
Adults >20%
Children and elderly >10%
As soon as they are stabilised
What methods can be used to get IV access in burns if percutaneous access cannot be obtained?
IV cutdown in cubital fossae or long saphenous vein (anterior to medial malleolus or groin)
In children less than 6, intraosseous approach in tibia
In the absence of IV access what is the next preferred route of administration of adrenaline during cardiac arrest?
Intraosseous
What is the dose of adrenaline given in a cardiac arrest?
1 mg of 1:10000 adrenaline IV every 3-5 mins
What are the surviving sepsis guidlines?
TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 3 HOURS OF TIME OF PRESENTATION:
1. Measure lactate level
2. Obtain blood cultures prior to administration of antibiotics
3. Administer broad spectrum antibiotics
4. Administer 30ml/kg crystalloid for hypotension or lactate 4mmol/L or more
TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 6 HOURS OF TIME OF PRESENTATION:
5. Apply vasopressors (for hypotension that does not respond to initial fluid resuscitation) to
maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) 65mmHg
6. In the event of persistent hypotension after initial fluid administration (MAP < 65 mm Hg) or if initial lactate was 4 mmol/L or more, re-assess volume status and tissue perfusion and document findings. Place a central line and aim for CVP greater than 8 and ScvO2 greater than 70
7. Re-measure lactate if initial lactate elevated
What causes Kussmaul breathing in DKA?
Ketone bodies produce acidosis which causes deep rapid breathing
Why do patients with DKA get dehydrated?
Ketones and glucose produce osmotic diuresis
A 65 year old man presents to ED with a sudden onset tender mass in the left lower quadrant. His PMH includes valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease and he takes regular warfarin. He has also recently been on a course of erythromycin for a chest infection as he has a penicillin allergy. On examination there is a tender mass to the left of the midline which appears to become more prominent on lifting the patient’s head from the bed. His Hb is 89 and his INR is 7.2. What is the diagnosis?
Rectus sheath haematoma
If you suspect a PE in a patient, what should be done while waiting for the CTPA to be done?
ABG FBC CRP CXR Place patient on LMWH
What are causes of traumatic pneumomediastinum after penetrating trauma? How do you investigate?
Injury to pharynx, larynx, trachea and oesophagus
Multislice spiral CT or contrast study endoscopy
What is the management for salicylate poisoning?
ABCDE
Gastric lavage
Blood levels
Encourage high fluid intake - may need resus and maintenance IVI
Monitor urine volume and pH
Forced alkaline diuresis induced with bicarbonate infusion
If coagulopathy - vitamin K administration
Which bug causes cat scratch disease?
Bartonella henselae
Which bugs are responsible for reactive arthritis?
Ureaplasma urealyticum
Mycoplasma genitalium
Which bug is responsible for Lyme disease?
Borrelia burgdorferi
What is the typical skin lesion seen in Lyme disease?
Erythema migrans
Which bug causes necrotising fasciitis?
Group A streptococcus
Which bug typically causes cold agglutinin production and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
How do you treat organophosphate poisoning?
Pralidoxime
What are features of organophosphate poisoning?
Hypersalivation
Sweating
Bradycardia
Due to increased cholinergic activity
What should be given to treat methanol poisoning?
Ethanol - inhibit build up of toxic metabolite products of methanol
What problems can methanol consumption cause?
Blindness
Lactic acidosis
Liver failure
What should be done to treat a child who has taken an excessive amount of ferrous sulphate?
Desferrioxamine
Which organisms does the BCG vaccine protect against?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycobacterium leprae
What is a Mantoux?
Tuberculin sensitivity test - screen for TB
What dose of adrenaline should be given for a PEA arrest?
1mg IV
10 ml of 1:10000
How often should adrenaline be given in a PEA arrest?
Immediately then after every 2 cycles (roughly once each 3-5 mins)
What are GI symptoms of iron overdose in a child?
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal distension
Symptoms of intestinal haemorrhage
What can be a long term complication of iron overdose in a child?
Pyloric stenosis
What are non GI features of iron overdose in a child? Why?
Hepatic toxicity - jaundice, deranged liver function and clotting abnormalities
Metabolic acidosis
Hypoglycaemia
Iron is absorbed and accumulated into the mitochondria
Why is gastric lavage no longer used in iron overdose?
Iron tablets are large and sticky so it is unlikely to be of benefit
What are you at risk of if being bitten by an IV drug user?
Hep B, C and HIV
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
Clinical picture
ELISA
How is malaria diagnosed?
Clinical picture
Blood film stained with Giemsa to identify Plasmodium infections
What is the treatment for someone presenting with haemoptysis who’s sputum sample shows Aspergillus fumigatus?
IV amphotericin B
In patients with isolated nasal injuries, which are the 3 major exceptions where the patients will need admission?
Septal haematoma
Compound nasal fracture
Associated epistaxis
When is it best to review patients with uncomplicated isolated nasal injuries?
After 5 days in ENT clinic when swelling has subsided and it can be determine whether manipulation is appropriate
A 30 year old man who works in a lab which handles animal products presents to ED with a skin ulcer with a black area in the centre. The patient explains that this started with a small itchy pimple that began to ulcerate a couple of days later. What is the diagnosis?
Bacillus anthracis - anthrax
What are the 3 main types of anthrax?
Cutaneous: direct contact with skin or tissue of infected animals
Inhalation: spores, sore throat, cough, fever. Abrupt resp failure 2-4 days
Intestinal: swallowing spores, nausea, bloody diarrhoea, pain
How does aciclovir work?
Via thymidine cycle
Phosphorylated by this pathway, then further phosphorylated by cellular enzymes to triphosphate, then competes with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for a position in viral DNA
Which drug is effective against CMV?
Ganciclovir
What is the commonest adult muscular dystrophy?
Myotonic dystrophy
What are features of myotonic dystrophy?
Frontal baldness in men
Atrophy of temporalis, masseters and facial muscle
Cardiac abnormalities including first degree heart block and complete heart block
What is progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy?
Rapidly progressing demyelinating disease related to infection of oligodendrocytes by papovirus
AIDS defining illness
Which enzyme is essential in duplication of the HIV genome which cleaves RNA strands during transcription?
Ribonuclease H
Which enzyme in HIV helps in forming the DNA strand from viral RNA?
Reverse transcriptase
What form of meningitis is commons in HIV infected patients?
Cryptococcal meningitis
What is a an important feature of cryptococcal meningitis for which the treatment is CSF drainage?
Raised intracranial tension
What is the treatment for cryptococcal meningitis?
Amphotericin B 0.7-1mg/kg daily IV
5-flucytosine 100mg/kg oral daily
What are different types of polycythemia?
Primary
Secondary: chronic hypoxia
Relative: reduced plasma volume, normal red cell mass
Inappropriate: excess EPO production
What are features of legionella?
Flu like symptoms Dry cough Bradycardia Confusion Lymphopenia Hyponatraemia Deranged LFTs Pleural effusion
How is a diagnosis of legionella made?
Urinary antigen
How is legionella treated?
Erythromycin
What are causes of a metabolic acidosis with a raised anion gap?
Lactic acid - sepsis, ischaemia
Urate - renal failure
Ketones - DKA
Drugs/toxins - salicylates, methanol, ethylene glycol
What are causes of a metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap?
Renal tubular acidosis Diarrhoea Addison's disease Diarrhoea, ureterosigmoidostomy, fistula Acetazolamide
What is the management for starvation ketosis?
IV pabrinex if alcohol related
IV dextrose
What are complications of ecstasy use?
Arrhythmia
Seizures
Water intoxication
Acute hyponatraemia
What are features of tricyclic antidepressant overdose?
Reduced conscious level Tachycardia Urinary retention Dilated pupils Seizures Ventricular arrhythmias
What does ecstasy cause?
Increased alertness and self confidence Euphoria Extrovert behaviour Increased talkativeness and rapid speech Lack of desire to eat or sleep Tremor Dilated pupils Tachycardia Hypertension
What does a more severe ecstasy intoxication cause?
Excitability Agitation Paranoid delusions Hallucinations and violent behaviour Hypertonia Hyperreflexia Convulsions Rhabdomyolysis Hyperthermia Cardiac arrhythmia DIC Renal failure Hyponatraemia
What are causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis?
CAT MUDPILES Carbon monoxide Aminoglycosides Theophyline/toluene Methanol Uraemia Diabetic ketoacidosis/alcoholic/starvation Paracetamol Iron/isoniazid Ethanol/ethylene glycol Salicylates
Which fluid should be given for resuscitation in the setting of acute kidney injury?
500ml 0.9% saline over 15 mins as it does not contain potassium and hyperkalaemia is a concern
How can streptococci be subdivided?
Alpha haemolytic: partial haemolysis. Strep pneumoniae and viridans
Beta haemolytic: complete haemolysis. Groups A, B, D. Group A strep pyogenes (impetigo, cellulitis, Nec fasc, pharyngitis, rheumatic fever, scarlet fever. Group B strep agalactiae neonatal meningitis, sepsis. Group D enterococcus
What are red flag signs of sepsis?
Systolic blood pressure <90 or >40 from baseline Mean arterial pressure <65 Heart rate >131 Resp rate >25 AVPU: V P or U
What doses of adrenaline, hydrocortisone and chlorphenamine are required in an adult or child >12 anaphylaxis?
Adrenaline 500mcg
Hydrocortisone 200mg
Chlorphenamine 10mg
What doses of adrenaline, hydrocortisone and chlorphenamine are required in an child age 6-12 anaphylaxis?
Adrenaline 300mcg
Hydrocortisone 100mg
Chlorphenamine 5mg
What doses of adrenaline, hydrocortisone and chlorphenamine are required in an child age 6m to 6y anaphylaxis?
Adrenaline 150mcg
Hydrocortisone 50mg
Chlorphenamine 2.5mg
What doses of adrenaline, hydrocortisone and chlorphenamine are required in an child age less than 6 months anaphylaxis?
Adrenaline 150 mcg
Hydrocortisone 25mg
Chlorphenamine 250mcg
What steps do you take for acute pulmonary oedema?
Loop diuretic 40-80mg IV Morphine Nitrate 2 sublingual Oxygen Position upright
What are main indications for emergency dialysis?
Severe hyperkalaemia >7 resistant to medical therapy
Pulmonary oedema resistant to medical therapy
Metabolic acidosis <7.2 or BE
What are the causes of malignancy associated hypercalcaemia?
Lytic bony metastasis
Myeloma
Production of osteoclast activating factor or PTH-like hormone by the tumour
What can be presenting symptoms of hypercalcaemia?
Nausea Polydipsia Polyuria Constipation Confusion Weakness
What is the important first line management of malignancy associated acute hypercalcaemia?
Rehydration with IV 0.9% saline 3-4L/day
IV pamidronate to lower serum calcium
Calcitonin if resistant to bisphosphonates
An underweight 21 year old female comes to ED with palpitations. Her ECG shows first degree heart block, tall P waves and flattened T waves. An ABG shows pH 7.55, HCO3 30, Cl 85. What is the underlying cause of the presentation?
Bulimia nervosa
ECG shows hypokalaemia causing palpitations
ABG shows metabolic acidosis - hypochloraemic
What is Gitelman syndrome?
Autosomal recessive kidney disorder characterised by hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis with hypocalciuria and hypomagnesaemia
Loss of function mutations of thiazide sensitive sodium chloride symporter in the distal convoluted tubule
What is Bartter syndrome?
Inherited defect in thick ascending limb of loop of Henle characterised by low potassium, alkalosis and normal to low blood pressure
Neonatal and classic forms
What are features of lead poisoning?
Anorexia Hyperirritability General apathy Vomiting Colicky abdominal pain
What are features of superior vena cava obstruction?
Dyspnoea Swelling of face, neck and arms Headache Visual disturbance Pulseless jugular venous distension
What are causes of superior vena cava obstruction?
Small cell lung cancer Lymphoma Metastatic seminoma Kaposis sarcoma Beast cancer Aortic aneurysm Mediastinal fibrosis Goitre SVC thrombosis
What is the management of superior vena cava obstruction?
Dexamethasone Balloon venoplasty Stenting Small cell: chemo and radio Non small cell: radiotherapy
What is the management for acute stroke?
Blood glucose, hydration, O2 sats and temp maintained within normal limits
Blood pressure shouldn’t be lowered in acute phase unless complications - hypertensive encephalopathy
Aspirin 300mg orally or rectally given asap if haemorrhagic stroke excluded
Thrombolysis: if within 4.5 hours of onset of symptoms and haemorrhage has been excluded - alteplase
What are absolute contraindications to thrombolysis?
Previous intracranial haemorrhage Seizure at onset Intracranial neoplasm Suspected SAH Stroke or traumatic brain injury in previous 3 months Lumbar puncture in previous 7 days GI bleeding in preceding 3 weeks Active bleeding Pregnancy Oesophageal varices Uncontrolled HTN >200/120
What are relative contraindications to thrombolysis?
Concurrent anticoagulation INR >1.7
Haemorrhagic diathesis
Active diabetic haemorrhagic retinopathy
Suspected intracardiac thrombus
Major surgery/trauma in preceding 2 weeks
What are criteria for liver transplantation in paracetamol overdose?
Arterial pH <7.3, 24 hours after ingestion Or all of: Prothrombin time > 100 secs Creatinine >300 Grade III or IV encephalopathy
What is required for a diagnosis of DKA?
Glucose >11
pH <7.3
Bicarbonate <15
Ketones > 3 or urine ketones ++
What are features of DKA?
Abdominal pain
Polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration
Kussmaul respiration
Acetone smelling breath
What are the most common precipitating factors of DKA?
Infection
Missed insulin
Myocardial infarction
What is the management of DKA?
Fluid replacement: isotonic saline 5-8L
Insulin: IV infusion 0.1 unit/kg/hour. Once glucose <15, 5% dextrose started
Correction of hypokalaemia
What is a good fluid replacement regime for a patient with systolic BP of 90 and over in DKA?
- 9% NaCl 1L over 1 hr
- 9% NaCl 1L with KCl over 2 hr
- 9% NaCl 1L with KCl over 2 hr
- 9% NaCl 1L with KCl over 4 hr
- 9% NaCl 1L with KCl over 4 hr
- 9% NaCl 1L with KCl over 6 hr
What are complications of DKA and it’s treatment?
Gastric stasis
Thromboembolism
Arrhythmia secondary to hyperkalaemia/hypokalaemia
Iatrogenic due to incorrect fluid therapy: cerebral oedema, hypokalaemia, hypoglycaemia
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Acute kidney injury
What are guidelines on potassium correction in DKA?
Potassium over 5.5: no correction
Potassium 3.5-5.5: 40 mmol/L
Below 3.5: senior review
How is low molecular weight heparin activity measured?
Anti factor Xa levels
What is the organism that causes Lyme disease?
Borrelia burgdorferi
What are symptoms of Lyme disease?
Joint pains Facial nerve palsy Palpitations Headache Fever
What are causes of a prolonged prothrombin time?
Warfarin
Unfractionated heparin
DIC
Liver disease
What is the recommended antibiotic for neutropenic sepsis?
Tazocin
What are features of leptospirosis? (Weils disease)
Fever Flu like symptoms Renal failure Jaundice Subconjunctival haemorrhage Headache Sewage workers, farmers, vets
What is the management for leptospirosis?
High dose benzylpenicillin or doxycycline
What are the stages of AKI?
1: creatinine 1.5-1.9x, urine <0.5ml/kg/h for >6h
2: creatinine 2-2.9x, urine <0.5ml/kg/h for >12 h
3: creatinine 3x or >354, urine <0.3ml/kg/h for >24 h or anuric for 12h
What are the BNF recommendations for management of hyperkalaemia?
If K+ is >6.5 or ECG changes
Administer calcium gluconate 10% 10-20ml by slow IV injection titrated to ECG response
Give 10 units actrapid in 50ml 50% glucose over 10-15 ml IV
Consider nebulised salbutamol
Consider correcting acidosis with sodium bicarbonate
What is the management for acute heart failure in a patient who is haemodynamically stable?
Oxygen
Morphine 2.5-10mg IV 2-6h
Furosemide 40-160mg IV increase by 20-40 mg every 6-12 h according to response. Max 600mg
GTN 5 micro grams/min IV. Increase by 5-20 micro grams/min every 3-5 mins. Max 200 micro grams
CPAP
What investigations should be done for acute heart failure?
ECG CXR Hb TFT Troponin BNP Echo
What is the PEP for hep A?
Human normal immunoglobulin or hep A vaccine
What is the PEP for hep B?
HBsAg positive source: booster dose of vaccine, if in process of vaccination or non responder - hep B immune globulin and vaccine
Unknown source: booster dose, non responder - HBIG and vaccine, in process of vaccination - accelerated course
What is the PEP for hep C?
Monthly PCR
If seroconversion then interferon and ribavirin
What is PEP for HIV?
Oral antiretrovirals: tenofovir, emtricitabine, lopinavir, ritonavir
Can be started up to 72h following exposure for 4 weeks
Serological testing at 12 weeks following completion of PEP
By how much does PEP reduce risk of transmission in HIV?
80%
What is PEP for varicella zoster?
VZIG for IgG negative pregnant women or immunosuppressed
What is the estimated risk of transmission of hep B, C and HIV from a needle stick?
Hep B: 20-30%
Hep C: 0.5-2%
HIV: 0.3%
What are complications of acute heart failure?
Arrhythmia
Complication of GTN: headache and hypotension
Complication of diuretics: worsening of renal function, hypotension, hypokalaemia
What are features of salicylate poisoning?
Fever Sweating Hyperventilation Tachycardia Nausea and vomiting Dehydration
What does the treatment of amitriptyline involve?
ABC resus
Gastric lavage followed by activated charcoal in severe cases
Treatment of arrhythmias and seizures as necessary
What are features of stage 1 shock?
Volume loss <750ml Urine output >35ml/hr Pulse <100 Cap refil normal Blood pressure normal Resp 14-20 Mental state alert
What are features of stage 2 shock?
Volume loss 750ml to 1.5L Urine output 20-35 ml/hr Pulse >100 Cap refil prolonged SBP normal DBP raised Resp 20-30 Mental state anxious
What are features of stage 3 shock?
Volume loss 1.5 to 2L Urine output 5-15 ml/hr Pulse >120 Cap refil prolonged SBP reduced DBP reduced Resp 30-40 Mental state confused, anxious
What are features of stage 4 shock?
Volume loss >2L Urine output <5ml/hr Pulse >140 Cap refil absent SBP severely reduced DBP severely reduced Resp rate >35 Mental state drowsy unresponsive
What are examination findings in aortic artery dissection?
Hypertension
Aortic regurgitation
Pleural effusion
Inferior lead ECG changes if right coronary is compromised
What are the 4 main derangements seen in Reye’s syndrome?
Raised ICP
Hypoglycaemia
Coagulopathy
Hyperammonaemia
What is Reye’s syndrome?
Acute non inflammatory encephalopathy and hepatotoxicity caused by ingestion of aspirin in under 12s
How is Reye’s syndrome managed?
Give activated charcoal as soon as possible
Measure salicylate level
Treat pathological derangements