Emergency Medicine

Question 1

What oxygen flow rate can a nasal cannula deliver?

Answer 1

1-6L/min

Question 2

What oxygen flow rate can a simple face mask deliver?

Answer 2

Depends on valve colour. Typically 2-8L/min

Question 3

What oxygen flow rate can a non-rebreathe mask deliver?

Answer 3

15L/min

Question 4

What is the definition of shock?

Answer 4

Clinical syndrome caused by inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation leading to abnormal metabolic function

Question 5

What are the 4 main types of shock?

Answer 5

Cardiogenic, Hypovolaemic, Obstructive, Distributive (this includes septic and anaphylactic)

Question 6

What causes hypovolaemic shock?

Answer 6

Loss of blood, fluid or plasma.

Question 7

What is the definition of syncope?

Answer 7

A transient loss of consciousness caused by transient global cerebral hypoperfusion characterised by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery

Question 8

What are the ‘head’ causes of collapse?

Answer 8

Hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, epilepsy, affective disorders, stroke/TIA, migraine

Question 9

What are the ‘heart’ causes of collapse?

Answer 9

IHD, emboli, aortic obstruction, tachyarrhythmias (e.g. VT, SVT, long QT syndrome)

Question 10

What are the ‘vessels’ causes of collapse?

Answer 10

Vasovagal, sensitive carotid sinus, ectopic pregnancy, low vascular tone, subclavian steal

Question 11

Which drugs can commonly cause collapse?

Answer 11

Antihypertensives, Beta-blockers, ‘street drugs’

Question 12

What are the 3 overarching causes of syncope?

Answer 12

Neural
Orthostatic
Cardiac