Emergency Medicine Flashcards
Rapid primary survey components
Airway (C-spine) Breathing and ventilation Circulation (pulse, hemorrhage) Disability (neurological status) Exposure (complete) and Environment (temperature control)
- continually reassess during secondary survey
- if change in hemodynamic/neurological state, return to primary survey
If cardiac arrest, primary survey changes to
CABs
Airway in rapid primary survey
Immobilize with collar
Assess ability to breathe and speak
Reassess frequently
Assess facial fx/edema/burn
Basic airway management
Protect C-spine
If C-spine injury not suspected, head tilt
If C-spine injury suspected, jaw thrust
Sweep and suction
Temporizing measures
If gag reflex present (conscious): nasopharyngeal airway
If gag absent (unconscious): oropharyngeal airway
Rescue devices: laryngeal mask airway, Combitube
Last resort: transtracheal jet ventilation
Definitive airway Mx
ETT intubation + in-line stabilization of C-spine
- Preferred: orotracheal +/- RSI
- If conscious: nasotracheal better tolerated
- no 100% protection agains aspiration
- nasotracheal relatively contraindicated in basal skull fx
If unable to intubate: surgical airway
*cricothyroidotomy
Contraindications to intubation
Supraglottic/glottic pathology
Medications that can be delivered via ETT
Naloxone Atropine Ventolin (salbutamol) Epinephrine Lidocaine
If trauma requiring intubation but no immediate need what’s the next step?
C-spine x-ray
If positive:
Fiberoptic ETT
Nasal ETT
RSI
If negative: Oral ETT (+/- RSI)
Breathing in rapid primary survey
Look: mental status, color, chest movement
Listen: auscultate (signs of obstruction such as stridor), breath sounds, symmetry of air entry, air escaping
Feel: tracheal shift, chest wall crepitus, flail segment, sucking chest wound, emphysema
Objective measures for assessment of breathing
Rate, oximetry, ABG, A-a gradient
Mx of breathing
In order of increasing FiO2: Nasal prongs Simple face mask Nonrebreather mask CPAP/BiPAP
If inadequate ventilation:
Bag-Valve mask
CPAP
Class I hemorrhagic shock
<750 ml (<15% of blood volume) PR <100 BP: Normal RR: 20 Capillary refill: Normal U/O: 30cc/h Fluid replacement: Crystalloid
Class II hemorrhagic shock
750-1500cc 15-30% PR > 100 RR 30 BP Normal Capillary refill decreased U/O 20cc/h Fluid replacement: crystalloid
Class III
1500-2000 30-40% PR >120 BP decreased RR 35 CR decreased U/O 10 cc/h Fluid: crystalloid+ blood
Class IV
>2000 >40% PR>140 BP decreased RR > 45 CR decreased U/O none Fluid crystalloid + blood
Indications for intubation
Unable to protect airway (GCS <8, airway trauma)
Inadequate oxygenation with spontaneous respiration (O2 sat <90% with 100% O2, rising pCO2)
Impending airway obstruction: trauma, overdose, airway burns, CHF, asthma, COPD, anaphylaxis, angioedema, expanding hematoma
Anticipated transfer of critical patient
Mx of hemorrhagic shock
Clear airway/breathing
Direct pressure on external wounds
Start 2 large bore IVs (14-16)
Run 1-2 L bolus of IV normal saline/ Ringer’s lactate
If no response/ continued bleeding, pRBC (crossmatched or O- for women, O+ for men)
FFP, Plt, Tranexamic in eatly bleeding
Cosider common sites of internal bleeding (surgical intervention)
Disability in primary survey
Assess LOC (GCS) And Eyes: Pupils (size, symmetry, reactivity to light) Extraocular movements/nystagmus Fundoscopy (papilledema, hemorrhage)
Decreased LOC + reactive pupils
Metabolic cause
Or
Structural cause
Decreased LOC + non-reactive pupils
Structural cause
GCS use
For use in trauma pt (less meaningful for metabolic coma)
Indicator of ”severity” of injury and neurosurgical “prognosis”
Needs to be repeated (changes more relevant than absolute number)
GCS in intubated pt:
Reported out of 10 + T
The GCS used for prognosis determination
Best post-resuscitation GCS
Eye in GSC
Eyes open
4: spontaneously
3: to voice
2: to pain
1: none
Verbal response in GCS
5: Answers questions properly
4: Confused and disoriented
3: Inappropriate words
2: incomprehensible sounds
1: none
Motor response in GCS
6: Obeys commands
5: localizes to pain
4: Withdraws from pain
3: decorticate
2: decerebrate
1: none
Exposure/Environment in primary survey
Assess entire body Log roll DRE Keep pt warm (blanket, radiant heat) Warm IV fluids/blood Keep provider safe
3:1 rule for saline crystaloids
30% remains in IV space, so give 3x estimated blood loss
Fluid resuscitation
Bolus: until HR decreases, U/O increases, pt stabilizes
Then Maintenance: 4:2:1 rule 0-10 kg: 4 cc/kg/h 10-20 kg: 2 cc/kg/h Remaining wt: 1 cc/kg/h
+ ongoing losses and deficits ( 10% of body wt)
If unilateral dilated, non-reactive pupil, DDx?
Focal mass
Epidural hematoma
Subdural hematoma
Resuscitation components
Done concurrently with primary survey
Attend to ABC
Manage life-threatening problems as they are identified
Vital signs q5 to 15 minutes
ECG, BP, O2 monitoring
Foley cath and NG if indicated
Tests: CBC, lytes, BUN, Cr, glucose, amylase, INR/PTT, B-hCG, toxicology screen, cross and type
Contraindications to foley insertion
Blood at urethra meatus
Scrotal hematoma
High-riding prostate on DRE
NG tube contraindications
Basal skull fracture
Significant mid-face trauma
Airway for CPR
Head tilt-chin lift
For all ages
(If C-spine stable)
Breaths for CPR
2 breaths at 1 s/breath
Stop once see chest rise
Foreign-body airway obstruction
> 8 y: abdominal thrust
<1 y: back slaps, chest thrusts
Compression landmarks in CPR
> 1 y: chest centre, between nipples
<1 y: just below nipple line
Compression method in CPR
> 8y: 2 hands, 2-2.4 inches
<8y: 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest
1-8 y: 2 or 1 hand
<1 y: 2 fingers or thumbs
Compression rate in CPR
100-120/ min
Allow complete chest wall recoil
Compression to ventilation ratio
30 compression to 2 ventilations
Defibrillation
If sudden witnessed collapse: immediate AED
If unwitnessed arrest: compression (5 cycles/2 min), then AED
If children/infant: manual defibrillator preferred (but use adult dose if not available)
When is secondary survey done?
Once patient is hemodynamically and neurologically stabilized
Secondary survey components
Hx
Full physical exam
X-rays (C-spine,chest, pelvis),
Consider T-spine and L-spine if indicated
History taking during secondary survey
SAMPLE S: signs and symptoms A: allergies M: medications P: past medical history L: last meal E: events related to injury
Physical exam during secondary survey
Head and neck: palpation of facial bones, scalp
Chest:
Inspect for: 1 midline trachea 2. Flail segment And associated hemothorax, pneumothorax and contusions
Auscultate lung fields
Palpate: Subcutaneous emphysema
Abdomen:
Assess for: peritonitis, distention, evidence of intra-abdominal bleeding
DRE for: GIB, high riding prostate, anal tone
MSK:
Extremities: swelling, contusion, deformity, tenderness, ROM
pulses (Doppler probe), sensation in injured limbs
Log roll and palpate thoracic and lumbar spines
Palpate iliac crest, pubic symphysis, assess pelvic stability (lateral, AP, vertical)
Neuro:
*GCS
*Full cranial nerve exam
*Alterations of rate and rhythm of breathing
*Spinal cord integrity
If conscious: distal sensation and motor function
If unconscious: response to painful or noxious stimulus applied to extremities
Initial imaging during secondary survey
Non-contrast CT head/face/C-spine
CXR
FAST or CT abd/pel (if stable)
Pelvis x-ray
Signs of increasing ICP in trauma patient
Deteriorating LOC Deteriorating respiratory pattern Cushing reflex Lateralizing CNS signs Seizures Papilledema (late) N/V and headache
Golden hour in trauma
4-6 h
Height of fall considered high risk injury
> 12 ft (3.6 m)
Typical vault skull fx
Linear: temporal bone, middle meningeal artery area
The most common cause of epidural hematoma
Linear skull vault fx in middle meningeal artery area
Typical basal skull fx
Floor of anterior cranial fossa
Longitudinal
Best method if diagnosing basal skull fx
Clinical Dx superior to CT
High risk injuries in MVC
Ejection from vehicle
Motorcycle collisions
Vehicle versus pedestrian crashes
Fall from height Ford and 12 feet
Concussion
Mild traumatic brain injury (diffuse)
Alteration in mental status (must be < 30min)
Initial GCS (must be 13-15)
Post-traumatic amnesia (must be less than 24 h)
Hallmarks: confusion, amnesia immediately after trauma or minutes later
Diffuse axonal injury
Mild: coma 6-24 h, possibly lasting deficit
Moderate: coma >24h, little/no signs of brainstem dysfunction
Severe: coma > 24 h, frequent signs of brainstem dysfunction
Focal brain injuries
Contusion
Intracranial hemorrhage
Cushing response to increased ICP
Bradycardia
HTN
irregular respirations
Traumatic brain injury severity
Mild: GCS:13-15
Mod: 9-12
Severe: 3-8
Significant anisocoria in trauma
> 1mm in pt with altered LOC
Hx in assessment of brain injury in trauma pt
Pre-hospital status
Mechanism of injury
PEx in assessment of brain injury in trauma pt
C-spine: assume injured V/S: shock (infants), Cushing response LOC Pupils: size, anisocoria, response to light Lateralizing signs (motor/sensory) Reassess frequently
Investigations in assessment of brain injury in trauma pt
CBC, lytes, toxicology screen, PTT/INR, glucose
CT of head and neck
C-spine imaging
Goal of Mx of brain injury in ED
Reducing secondary injury by:
Avoiding hypoxia, ischemia, decreased cerebral perfusion pressure, seizure
Head injury Mx in ED
General: ABC Intubate, prevent hypercarbia sBP > 90 Treat other injuries Neurosurgical consultation Seizure Tx/Prophylaxis: BDZ, Phenytoin, phenobarbital
Treat suspected raised ICP
Treatment of raised ICP
Intubate
Calm(sedate)
Paralyze (if agitated)
Hyperventilate ( 100% O2, to pCO2 of 30-35)
Elevated bed head (20 degrees)
Adequate BP
Diuresis with mannitol 1g/kg, infused rapidly
Contraindications to manittol
Shock
RF
Mx of minor head injuries not requiring admission
24 h head injury protocol to competent caregiver
F/U with neurology
Indications of CT had in minor head injury
GCS < 15 at 2 h after injury Suspected depressed/open skull fx Any sign of basal skull fx Vomiting > 1 episode Age 65 or higher
Amnesia before impact > 30 min Dangerous mechanism (fall > 3 foot, ejected occupant, pedestrian struck)
Definition of minor head injury
Witnessed loss of consciousness, definite amnesia, or witnessed disorientation in a patient with a GCS score of 13-15
Warning signs of severe head injury
GCS<8
Deteriorating GCS
Unequal pupils
Lateralizimg signs
Signs of mild traumatic brain injury
Somatic:
Headache, sleep disturbance, N/V, blurred vision
Cognitive dysfunction:
Attentional impairment, reduced processing speed, drowsiness, amnesia
Emotion and behavior:
Impulsivity, irritability, depression
Signs of severe concussion
Seizure, bradycardia, hypotension, sluggish pupils
Tx of mild traumatic brain injury
Close observation and F/U
Hospitalize if:
*abnormal CT
*normal CT with GCS<15, bleeding diathesis, seizure
Early rehab
Pharmacological Mx of pain, depression, headache
Return to play guidline
C-spine collar indications
Midline tenderness Neurological symptoms or signs Significant distracting injuries Head injury Intoxication Dangerous mechanism Hx of altered LOC
When to assume cord injury?
Fall > 12 ft
Deceleration injury
Blunt trauma to head, beck or back
The most important film of cervical spine
Lateral cervical x-ray
Indication of MRI in traumatic brain injury
If worsening symptoms despite normal CT
Spinal cord injury Hx
Mechanism Previous deficits SAMPLE neck pain Paralysis/weakness Paresthesia
Spinal cord injury PEx
ABC
Abdomen:
Ecchymosis, tenderness
Neurological
Spine:
Palpate C-spine, log roll and palpate T-spineand L-spine, assess rectal tone
Extremities:
Capillary refill, if calcaneal fx, suspect thoracolumbar imjury
Investigations for spine injury
CBC, lytes, Cr, glucose, INR/PTT, cross/type, toxicology screen
Imaging:
C-spine x-ray series (AP, lateral, odontoid view)
Thoracolumbar x-rays (AP, lateral)
Level of injury for cauda equina syndrome
Below T10
Cauda equina symptoms
Incontinence Anterior thigh pain Quadriceps weakness Abnormal sacral sensation Decreased rectal tone Variable reflexes
Indications for spine imaging
C-spine injury
Unconscious patient with appropriate mechanism of injury
Neurological symptoms or findings
Deformities that are palpable when patient is log rolled
Back pain
Bilateral calcaneal fractures due to fall from height
Consider CT for subtle bone injuries, MRI for soft tissue injuries if appropriate
The canadian C-spine rule:
Radiology performed if:
Any of:
- age > 65
- dangerous mechanism
- paresthesia in limbs
Or
None of: Simple rear-end MCV Sitting in ED Ambulatory at any time Delayed onset of neck pain
Or
Not able to actively rotate neck > 45 degrees
Insications for C-spine X-ray
Midline neck pain Numbness or paresthesia Presence of distracting pain Head injury Intoxication Loss of consciousness Past history of spinal mobility disorder Posterior neck spasm Tenderness or crepitus Any neurologic deficit Autonomic dysfunction Altered mental status
Indications for C-spine CT scan
Inadequate plain film survey
Suspicious plain film findings
To better delineate injuries seen on plane films
Any clinical suspicion of Atlanto-axial subluxation
High clinical suspicion of injury despite normal x-ray
To include C1-C3 when head city is indicated in head trauma
If normal C-spine films but abnormal neurological exam
Perform an MRI
C-spine cleared if normal
If normal C-spine films but neck pain
Order flexion/extension films
If normal, C-spine cleared
If abnormal, remain immobilized and consult spine service
Mx of cord injury
Immobilized Evaluate ABC Treat neurogenic shock (maintain SBP> 100) NG Foley High-dose steroid within 6-8h Complete imaging of the spine Consult spine service Continually re-assessed high cord injuries Watch for respiration if cervical cord injury Warm blanket Trendelenburg position Volume infusion Consider vasopressors
Cervical cord injury and respiration
C5-T1: abdominal breathing
Higher level injury: May require intubation and ventilation
Unable to rule out dens fx by odontoid view
Repeat view Or CT Or Plain film tomography
Physiologic spine subluxations
Children < 8y
C2 on C3
C3 on C4
Spino-laminal lines are maintained
Fanning of spinous processes
Posterior lugament disruption
Widening of predental space
3 mm or higher in adults
5 mm or higher in children
Suggests C1 or C2 injury
Anterior/ posterior wedging of intervertebral disc spaces
Vertebral compression
Normal retropharyngeal width
<7 mm at C1-C4
Wide in children <2 y on expiration
Normal retrotracheal space width
<22 mm at C6-T1
<14 mm in children < 5 y
Neurogenic shock level
T6 or higher Within 30 min Loss of vasomotor tone, SNS tone Lasts up to 6 wk Hypotension, bradycardia, poikilotherma
Spinal shock
Absence of all voluntary and reflex activities below level of injury
No sensation
Flaccid paralysis
Lasts days to months
Autonomic dysreflexia
Level T6 or higher Chronic phase of spinal cord injuryg Pounding headache Nasal congestion Apprehension Anxiety Visual changes Dangerously increased SBP or DBP
Triggers
Bladder distention, UTI, kidney stone
Fecal impaction, bowel distension
Tx: monitoring, BP control, then: underlying
Airway obstruction investigation and Mx
Primary survey
Inv: none
Mx:
Definitive airway management
Remove foreign body if visible with laryngoscope prior to intubation
Tension pneumothorax investigations and management
Primary survey
Investigation: none
Management:
Needle Thoracostomy, large bore needle, 2nd ICS, mid-clavicular line
Then: Chest tube in 5th ICS, anterior axillary line
Open pneumothorax Mx
Primary survey
Air-tight dressing sealed on 3 sides
Chest tube
Surgery
Inv: decreased pO2 on ABG
Massive hemothorax Mx
Primary survey
>1500 cc blood
Only able to do supine CXR (entire lung radioopaque)
Mx: Restore blood volume Chest tube Thoracotomy if: >1500 total blood loss > 200cc/h continued drainage
Flail chest Mx
Primary survey
ABG: decreased pO2, increased pCO2
CXR: rib fx, lung contusion
Mx: O2+ fluid+ pain control
Positive pressure ventilation
+/- intubation and ventilation
Cardiac tamponade Mx
Primary survey
Echo
FAST
Mx: IV fluid
Pericardiocentesis
Open thoracotomy
Pulmonary contusion Mx
Secondary survey
CXR: area of opacification of lung within 6 h
Mx: Adequate ventilation Monitor with: ABG, oximeter, ECG Chest physiotherapy If severe: positive pressure ventilation
Ruptured diaphragm Mx
Secondary survey CXR: abn diaphragm/ lower lung fields NGTube CT Endoscopy
Mx: laparotomy
Esophageal injury
Secondary survey
CXR: mediastinal air
Esophagogram
Flexible esophagoscopy
Mx: all require repair (improved outcome if within 24h)
Aortic tear
Secondary survey CXR CT TEE aortography
Mx: thoracotomy
Blunt myocardial injury
Secondary survey
ECG: dysrhythmias, ST changes
If normal ECG and hemodynamics, pt never gets dysrhythmia
Mx: O2
Antidysrhythmic
Analgesic
Aortic tear on X-ray
Depressed left mainstem bronchus Pleural cap Wide mediastinum (The most consistent feature) Hemothorax Indistinct aortic knuckle Tracheal deviation to right Esophagus (NG) deviated to right
Penetrating neck trauma
Do not explore except in OR
If injury deep to platysma: angiography, contrast CT, surgery
Do not clamp structures
Do not probe
Do not insert NG
Do not remove weapon/impaled object
Triad of larynx injury
Hoarseness
SQ emphysema
Palpable fx
Other: hemoptysis
Dyspnea
Dysphonea
Inv in larynx injury
CXR
CT
Arteriography (if penetrating)
Management of larynx injury
Airway: manage early because of Edema
C-spine protection
Surgery: tracheotomy vs repair
Injury to trachea or bronchus
Dyspnea, hemoptysis
SQ air
Hamman’s sign: Crunching sound synchronous with heartbeat
CXR: mediastinal air, persistent pneumothorax or persistent air leak after chest tube inserted for pneumothorax
Mx: if > 1/3 circumference, surgical repair
The most common solid organ injury in blunt abdominal trauma
Spleen
Liver is the second most common
The most common are organ injury in penetrating abdominal trauma
Liver
And hollow organs
Investigations in abdominal trauma
CBC Lytes Coagulation Cross/type Glucose Cr CK lipase Amylase Liver enzyme ABG blood EtOH B-HCG U/A Toxicology
Indication of foley in abdominal trauma
Unconscious
Patient with multiple injuries who cannot void spontaneously
Indications for NG tube in abdominal trauma
To decompress the stomach and proximal small bowel
Contra: face/skull base fx
Seatbelt abdominal injuries
Retroperitoneal duodenal trauma
Intraperitoneal bowel transection
Mesentric injury
L-spine injury
X-ray and abdominal trauma
CXR Pelvis C-spine Thoracic Lumbar
CT scan in abdominal trauma
Most specific test
Cannot be used if hemodynamic instability
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
Most sensitive test for interperitoneal bleed
Cannot test for retroperitoneal bleed or diaphragmatic ruptures
Cannot distinguish lethal from trivial bleed
Results take up to one hour
FAST
Rapid <5min
False positive in ascites
Positive DPL
Gross blood > 10cc Bile Bacteria Foreign material RBC > 100,000/microliter WBC > 500 Amylase > 175 IU
Indications for abdominal imaging
Equivocal abdominal examination
Altered sensorium
Distracting injuries (head trauma, spinal cord injury resulting abdominal anesthesia)
Unexplained shock or hypotension
Patients with multiple trauma who must undergo general anesthesia
Fracture of lower ribs, pelvis, spine
Positive FAST
Management of blunt abdominal trauma
ABC
Fluid
Surgical: watchful waiting vs. laparotomy
If solid organ injury: decision based on hemodynamic stability not the specific injuries
If hemodynamically unstable or persistently high transfusion requirements: Laparotomy
If hollow organ injury: laparotomy
If low suspicion of injury: admit and observe for 24 h
Penetrating abdominal trauma Mx
ABC
Fluid
Local wound exploration under direct vision to determine peritoneal perforation
Except: thoracoabdominal region, back/flanks
If gunshot: always laparotomy
If shock: laparotomy
If peritonitis: laparotomy
If evisceration: laparotomy
If free air in abdomen: laparotomy
If blood in NG: laparotomy
If blood in foley: laparotomy
If blood on DRE: laparotomy
PEx in abdominal trauma
Inspection Palpation Auscultation NG Foley DRE
Intraperitoneal bladder rupture if:
Full bladder
Acute abdomen presentation
Extraperitoneal bladder rupture
From pelvic fx
Pelvis instability, suprapubic tenderness
Gross hematuria in abdominal trauma suggests:
Bladder injury
Investigations for GU teauma
Urethra: retrograde urethrography
Bladder: U/A, CT, urethrogram +/- retrograde cystoscopy +/- cystogram (dilated bladder, post-void
Ureter: retrograde ureterogram
Renal: CT (if stable hemodynamic), IVP
In case of gross hematuria
GU investigated from distal to proximal
Mx of renal trauma
Minor:
Conservative: bed rest, hydration, analgesic, AB
Major:
Admit
Conservative: frequent assessments, serial U/A +/- re-imaging
If hemodynamically unstable: surgery
If continued bleeding > 48h: surgery
If major urine extravasation: surgery
Renal pedicle injury: surgery
Penetrating wound: surgery
Major laceration: surgery
Infection: surgery
Renal artery thrombosis: surgery
Mx of ureter trauma
Ureterouretostomy
Mx of bladder trauma
Extraperitoneal:
If minor rupture, Foley x 10-14 d
If major rupture, surgical repair
Intraperitoneal:
Drain abdomen and surgical repair
Urethra trauma Mx
Anterior:
Conservative, if cannot void, Foley/suprapubic cystostomy and AB
Posterior: Suprapubic cystostomy (avoid cath) +/- surgical repair
Open fx management
Remove gross debris Irrigate Cover with sterile dressing OR: irrigation, debridement Control bleeding with pressure Splint AB Definitive surgical Mx within 6 h Tetanus prophylaxis Neurovascular status before and after reduction
Do not clamp
If vascular compromise in fx
Realign limb/ apply longitudinal traction
Reassess pulse with doppler
Surgical comsult
Pain out of proportion to injury
Esophageal rupture
Compartment syndrome
Ischemia of mesentry
Necrotizing fasciitis
Compartment syndrome Mx
Prompt decompression
Remove constrictive cast and dressings
+/- emergent fasciotomy
Anterior shoulder dislocation Mx
X-ray (lateral, fx?)
Reduction (traction, scapular manipulation)
Repeat x-ray
F/U with ortho
Nerve injury: lateral aspect of shoulder (axillary nerve), extensor of forearm (musculocutaneous)
Coll’s fx
X-ray: radial deviation, dorsal displacement
Scaphoid fx symptoms
Tenderness in anatomical snuffbox
Pain on scaphoid tubercle
Pain on axial loading of thumb
Scaphoid fx Mx
Negative X-ray: thumb spica splint, repeat x-ray in 1 wk +/- CT, bone scan
Positive x-ray: thumb spica splint x 6-8 wk, repeat x-ray in 2wk
Outpt F/U
Avulsion of the base of 5th metatarsal
Occurs with inversion injury
Supportive tensor or below knee walking cast x 3wk
Ankle radiograph series indications in malleolus trauma:
Pain in malleolar zone and any of:
Bony tenderness atposterior edge or tip of lateral malleolus
Or
Bony tenderness at posterior edge or tip of medial malleolus
Or
Inability to bear wt both immediately and in ED
Ankle radiograph series indications in midfoot trauma:
Pain in midfoot zone and any of:
Bony tenderness at base of 5th metatarsal
Or
Bony tenderness at navicular bone
Or inability to bear wt both immediately and in ED
Wounds requiring tetanus prophylaxis
Dirt, soil, feces, saliva contamination Puncture wound Avulsion Resulting from missile Crushing Burn Frostbite
Abrasion management
Clean thoroughly with brush
Local anesthetic antiseptic oint (if facial or complex abrasion
Tetanus prophylaxis
Acute treatment of contusions
RICE Rest Ice Compression Elevation
High risk factors for infection
Puncture Crush >12h Hand or foot Age> 50 Prosthetic joint/valve Immunocompromised
Suture size and duration
Face: 6-0 x 5d Joints: 3-0 x 10d Not joints: 4-0 x 7d Scalp: 4-0 x 7d Mucous membranes: absorbable
Laceration Mx
Tendon function against resistance Neurovascular status Clean Explore under local anesthesia X-ray or U/S if suspicion of foreign body or if suspect intra-articular involvement Disinfect skin Sterile techniques Analgesia +/- anesthesia Secure hemostasis Evacuate hematoma Debride non-viable tissue, remove hair and foreign body AB for prophylaxis Suture
Maximum dose of lidocain
With epinephrine: 7 mg/ kg
Without epinephrine: 5 mg/kg
Indications for prophylactic AB in lacerations
Animal bite
Human bite
Intra-oral lesions
Puncture wounds to the foot
Exception to perform suture
Presentation > 6-8 h Puncture wound Mammalian bite Crush injury Retained foreign body
The most important factor in decreasing wound infection risk is:
Early irrigation and debridement
Metabolic reasons of stomachache
Emergent:
DKA, Sickle cell crisis, toxin, addisonian crisis
Less emergent:
Lead poisoning, porphyria
Investigations in abdominal pain
ABC CBC Lytes BG BUN/Cr, U/A Liver enzymes, LFT Lipase Lactate, VBG ECG, troponins B-hCG AXR, CXR, U/S, CT
Pts with atypical presentations of abdominal pain
Very young
Elderly
Alcoholics
Immunocompromised
Peritoneal findings blunted if:
Old age
Pregnancy T3
Chronic CS use
Disposition of abdominal pain pt
Admit if:
Surgical abdomen, w/u of significant abdominal findings, need for IV AB or pain control
Discharge if: negative lab, negative imaging who improve clinically
Return if: fever, increasing pain, persistent vomiting
Most common cause of pelvic pain
Ruptured ovarian cyst
Acute pelvic pain inv
B-hCG
CBC, diff, lytes, BG, Cr, BUN, G&S, PTT/INR, U/A, vaginal/cervical swabs for C&S,
Abdominal/pelvis U/S
Doppler flow studies for ovarian torsion
Pelvic pain referral indications:
If requiring surgery
If requiring admission
If oncologic
Admit if: requiring surgery, IV AB/pain control
Discharge if: negative w/u, improving symptoms
Ovarian cyst Mx
If unruptured: analgesia, f/u
If ruptured but stable hemodynamic: analgesic and f/u
If unstable hemodynamic or significant bleeding: surgery
Preferred imaging modality and assessment of pelvic pain
U/S
Lethargy, Stupor, Coma
Lethargy: wakeful but decreased awareness and alertness
Stupor: unresponsive but rousable
Coma: unresponsive, not rousable to consciousness
Abrupt onset of coma suggests
CNS hemorrhage/ischemia
Cardiac cause
Onset of coma over hours to days
Progressive CNS lesion
Toxic
Metabolic
PEx in altered LOC
ABC LOC, eye examination vitals Cardiac/respiratory/abdominal exams Complete neurologic exam
Investigations for altered LOC
CBC Lytes BUN, Cr, U/A LFT Glucose INR/PTT Serum osmolality, VBG Troponins Serum EtOH, acetaminophen, salicylate CXR, CT head ECG, UTox
Finding suggestive of toxic or metabolic coma
Dysfunction at lower levels of the brain stem
Respiratory depression in association with an intact opera brainstem (equal and reactive pupils)
Extraocular movements and motor findings are symmetric or absent
Findings suggestive of structural coma
Lateralizing abnormalities
Lucid interval
Epidural hematoma
Universal antidotes
Thiamine 100 mg IV ( if Hx of EtOH or malnourished)
D50W IV 1 ampule (if hypoglycemic on fingerprick)
Naloxane 0.4-2 mg IV or IM (if opiate overdose suspected)
Toxic or metabolite causes of fixed dilated pupils
Anoxia Anticholinergic (atropine, TCA...) Methanol Cocaine Opioid withdrawal Amphetamine Hallucinogen
Toxic or metabolic causes of fixed constricted pupils
Opiates (except meperidine)
Cholinergics (organophosphates)
Metabolic/toxic causes of normal to dilated fixed pupils
Hypothermia
Barbiturates
Antipsychotics
Chest pain investigations
CBC, lytes, BUN, Cr, BG, PTT/INR, CK, troponins
ECG, CXR, CT
Mx of acute chest pain
ABC O2 Cardiac monitoring IV access Underlying, consultation Observation/monitoring if unknown cause
When to discharge a pt with acute chest pain
If low probability of life-threatening illness: resolving symptoms, negative w/u
Typical angina
Retrosternal
Provoked by exertion
Relieved by rest/nitroglycerin
When to take a 15 lead EKG in MI
If hypotensive
If AV node involvement
If inferior MI
When is troponin sensitive for MI?
After 6-8 h
Westermark sign
Abrupt tapering of a vessel on chest film
Rate of normal CXR in PE
50%
Pericarditis pain relieved by
Sitting up and leaning forward
ECG in acute pericarditis
II,III,aVF,V4-V6: ST elevation, PR depression
aVR, V1: ST depression and PR elevation (reciprocal)
Sinus tachycardia
sBP in arms in aortic dissection
Difference > 20 mmHg
CXR in aortic dissection
Wide mediastinum
Left pleural effusion
Indistinct aortic knob
>4mm separation of intimal calcification from aortic shadow
Aortic dissection Tx
ABC
reduce BP and HR
Type A (ascending): urgent surgery
Type B (descending): medical
Urgent consult
Esophageal rupture symptoms
Sudden onset Severe pain After: endoscopy, forceful vomiting, labour, convulsion, corrosive injury, cancer Sepsis Subcutaneous emphysema
Imaging esophageal ruptur
CXR:
Pleural effusion
Pneumomediastinum
CT, water soluble contrast esophagogram
Tx of esophageal rupture
ABC early AB Thoracics consult NPO Consider chest tube
Abnormal skin sensation in herpes zoster precedes rash by
1-5 d
Reproduction of symptoms with movement or palpation is found in what percent of MI patients?
25% (similar to MSK)