EM Pre-Test Flashcards
Think of this when a pt presents with dyspnea with a hx of long bone fracture, major trauma, or ortho procedure?
Fat embolism - unlike thromboemboli, these can pass into arterial circulation
Trmt = supportive in ICU
COPD is divided into emphysema and what two other categories? Trmt for emphysema?
Asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Trmt of emphysema exacerbations = corticosteroids, anticholinergics, and intermittent B2-agonists to decrease inflammation, decrease mucous production, and relax smooth muscles
Most effective study to order when considering rib fracture? Potential respiratory risks 2/2 fracture? MC location of rib fractures?
Rib series - danger lies in possible penetration injury
Risk of hypoventilation 2/2 to respiratory splinting - increases risk for PNA and atelectasis. Trmt = pain relief to prevent above - if multiple rib fractures, several intercostal nerve blocks appropriate
MC location = point of impact or posterior angle
What physical complaint involving extremities can pts with anxiety attacks p/w?
Carpal-pedal spasms 2/2 transient decrease of calcium 2/2 respiratory alkalosis (elevated pH causes albumin to become more charged and bind more Ca)
What should be given to a pt w/ a recent asthma attack in addition to B2-agonist?
3-10 days of prednisone (40 - 60 mg)
Trmt for a pt p/w decreased RR, pinpoint pupils (2mm or less) and AMS?
Naloxone 2/2 probable opioid intoxication = mu-opioid competitive antagonist
Causative agent of pt ℅ initial flu-like symptoms with severe deterioration in 1-2 days: septic shock, respiratory failure, and mediastinitis, widened mediastinum w/ h/o sheep/cattle/horse exposure
B Anthracis
Causes of exudative vs. transudative effusions?
Exudative: malignancy, infection, connective tissue disease, PE, trauma, uremia, pancreatitis, post-surgical, esophageal rupture, drug-induced
Transudative: CHF, hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis, myxedema, nephrotic syndrome, SVC syndrome, peritoneal dialysis
Labs and their respective cut off points for deciphering transudative v. exudative effusions?
LDH: > 200 (or LDH ratio > 0.6)
Protein: ratio > 0.5
Also - amylase, cell count, gram stain, cytology, glucose
When to give steroids before PCP antibiotic trmt? And why?
Give steroids if PO2 < 70 or A-a gradient > 35mmHg. Abx use causes organism death with subsequent inflammation - if no pretreatment w/ steroids in above settings, inflammatory response could precipitate worsening respiratory symptoms
What can you use to monitor asthmatic’s response to trmt?
Peak Expiratory Flow (FEV1). Asthma triggers = dust, perfumes, exercise, menstruation, smoking, aspirin, infections, etc.
How does cholinergic crisis present? Trmt? MCC via toxicity routes?
SLUDGE = Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI problems, Emesis and Miosis (small pupils). Commonly contained in insecticides = organophosphates = Anticholinesterase inhibitors = cholinergic crisis! Treat with Atropine (anti-cholinergic) and Pralidoxime (restores Anticholinesterases)
What helps distinguish GHB toxicity?
LOC fluctuates b/w periods of respiratory arrest w/ apnea and periods of combative behavior after noxious stimuli
What clues you into CO toxicity? Order what test? Trmt?
Flu-like illness (normally w/o high fever), MC in winter months (2/2 heaters, etc), entire family is symptomatic and improves while away from source. Order carboxyhemoglobin levels (NL = 0-5%). Give O2 unless CO level >25%, then hyperbaric therapy
Trmt for acetaminophen (tylenol) toxicity? Possible damage to…?
N-acetylcysteine reduces risk of hepatotoxicity
Anticholinergic presentation? Trmt? Key to distinguishing from sympathomimetic syndrome?
“Blind as a bat (mydriasis), red as a beet (flushed), hot as a hare (hyperthermia), dry as a bone (dry membranes), and mad as a hatter (AMS)”. Phyostigmine = reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. Sympathomimetic syndrome = diaphoretic
Heroine (opioid) intox presentation and trmt? Trmt for BDZ overdose?
Low respiratory effort, miotic pupils, and CNS depression. Naloxone should be administered after attention is given to airway management. Give Flumazenil for BZD overdose.
What substance can cause seizure activity refractory to standard rx protocol (which is???)? What’s the trmt? Beware of???
Isoniazid. Std = diazepam (BZD), phenobarbital, and phenytoin. Pyridoxine (B6) = trmt. Look out for acidosis and respiratory compromise.
What type of diabetes medication can cause recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia?
Glyburide = common Sulfonylurea. Insulin is the MCC of iatrogenic episodes of hypoglycemia but patients recover after dextrose or a meal unlike glyburide where recurrent episodes are seen despite above therapy.
Aspirin toxicity presentation? Vs. Pseudoephedrine or diphenhydramine?
Tinnitus, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, confusion, N/V. Commonly see metabolic acidosis with anion gap and respiratory alkalosis
Benadryl = decongestant having anticholinergic properties and anti-histaminic properties (may cause sedation)
Pseudoephedrine = stimulation, tachycardia, dysrhythmia, hypertension
Serotonin syndrome presentation?
Diaphoresis, tachycardic, fever, agitation, tremor, myoclonus, ataxia, sometimes diarrhea, hyperreflexia, and shivering. Difficult to distinguish b/w sympathomimetic syn so med hx will help
What things can’t charcoal NOT bind?
Lithium (needs to be dialyzed), hydrocarbons, metals (Fe), ethanol, and ions
Trmt for cocaine intox?
BZD’s (ie: Diazepam)
What is happening with a pt with known drug abuse who is yawning, has rhinorrhea, piloerection, N/V/D, hyperactive bowel sounds, diaphoretic, anxiety, fear and tachycardia?
Opioid withdrawal