ER Flashcards
PET MAC
6 deadly causes of chest pain PE Esophageal rupture (Boerhaave syndrome) Tension pneumo MI Aortic dissection Cardiac tamponade
Who gets admitted for syncope?
San Fran Syncope Rule (CHESS) CHF (hx or suspicion) Hematocrit <30% EKG abnormalities SOB w/ syncope episode Systolic BP <90 post arrival to ED
What is the treatment for HTN emergency in the ER?
amlodipine (CCB), nicardipine (CCB) or clonidine (alpha 2 blocker)
What are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis?
alcohol abuse and cholelithiasis
Abdominal pain that is relieved by leaning forward?
acute pancreatitis
other sxs also include: N/V, epigastric pain that radiates to the back diminished bowel sounds fever Grey Turner sign, Cullen sign
DDx: hepatitis, AAA, GERD, MI, cholelithiasis
What is the treatment for PID?
ceftriazone 250mg IM in a single dose + doxycycline 100mg PO bid for 14 days +/- metronidazole 500mg PO bid for 14d
What is the definition of orthostatic hypotension?
decrease in systolic BP by 20mmHg or diastolic BP drop by 10mmHg
In a pt who comes in for hypertensive emergency, we don’t normally want to lower their BP too fast, except with what condition?
aortic dissection
via nicardipine
What is the initial test of choice for someone with heart failure?
TTE - transthoracic echo
NYHA class 1
sxs only occur with vigorous activities, such as playing a sport
pts are nearly asymptomatic
NYHA class 4
symptoms occur at rest. incapacitating
What is the treatment for CHF in the ER?
sodium restriction
Lasix (furosemide - loop diuretic)
ACEI
What are risk factors of nephrolithiasis?
gout hyperparathyroidism PUD crohn's disease IBD family or personal hx
What are concerning sxs suggestive of MI?
diaphoresis and vomiting
What are the components are heart score?
story EKG changes age risk factors (DM, HTN, obesity, family hx) troponin
What PE needs to be done for someone who had a syncopal episode?
Neuro
orthostatic
possible rectal for occult blood
What specifically should you look for on EKG for pts who had a syncopal episode?
BLOW Hard Brugada LOng QT WPW HOCM
What is the most common chronic arrhythmia?
A. fib
Describe what A. fib looks like
irregularly irregular rhythm ww/ narrow QRS, no P waves, just fib waves at 350-600 bpm w/ ventricular rate of 80-140
What are possible complications of a. fib?
hypoTN, decreased CO, thromboembolism, cardiomyopathy
What is the difference between stable and unstable a.fib?
unstable: hypoTN, AMS, refractory CP, acute HF
What is the difference in treatment between stable and unstable a.fib?
both: CHADS-VASc2 - to determine the need for
unstable: synchronized cardioversion
stable: rate control: BB, CCB
if young w/ long afib: synchronized cardioversion perferred (after 3-4 weeks on anticoags)
Describe what A. flutter looks like
regular rhythm
saw tooth waves at 250-350 bpm
What is the difference in treatment between stable and unstable a. flutter?
Stable: vagal, BB, CCBs (or cardiovert if <48 hours)
Unstable: synchronized cardioversion
ultimate: radiofrequency ablation
IV ibutilide is good for converting flutter to sinus in acute cases
Amiodarone can be used post cardioversion for chronic management
everyone gets warfarin anticoagulation? keeping INR between 2-3
What is SVT?
regular rapid rhythm of >150
MC d/t impulse re-entry or ectopic pacemaker above bundle of his
What is the treatment for SVT?
Unstable: cardiovert
Stable: vagal maneuvers first; then 6mg adenosine
if no response in 2 min, give 12mg adenosine
if wide complex SVT, treat as if VTach unless known WPW: procainamide
What does V. Tach look like?
3+ PVCs >100bpm
prolonged QT predisposes to V.Tach
Torsades de Pointes is most commonly caused by what?
hypomagnesemia or hypokalemia
What are the two shockable rhythms?
pulseless v. tach and v. fib
What defines a HTN emergency?
diastolic BP >115 mmHg with evidence of end organ damage
What are some causes of HTN emergency in pts without hx of HTN?
eclampsia - pregnancy
acute glomerulonephritis
What is the treatment in the ER for HTN emergency?
amlodipine (CCB) or clonidine (alpha 2 agonist)
MAP should be gradually reduced by 10 - 20% in the first hour
the only time you rapidly reduce BP is for pts with aortic dissection
How does pulmonary HTN affect the heart?
decrease preload and decrease CO
What is the pathophys of cardiogenic shock?
decreased CO with adequate volume but evidence of tissue hypoxia
d/t MI, myocardiditis, valve dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias
What is the most common chronic arrhythmia?
A. fib
What is CHESS used for?
to determine if someone w/ syncope needs to be admitted
What is the first line treatment for stable a. fib?
rate control
BB - metoprolol
or
CCB - diltaizem
What is the first line treatment for unstable a. fib?
synchronized cardioversion
What are the components of CHADSVASC2?
CHF HTN Age > 75 (2 points) DM Stroke (2 points) Vascular dz Age 65-74 Sex - female
What is the first line therapy for an unstable bradyarrythmia?
unstable: AMS, hypotension, acute heart failure, refractory CP
atropine
What is the first line treatment for unstable tachy arrythmia?
synchornized cardioversion
What is the first line treatment for stable, wide tachy arrythmia?
amiodarone
narrow QRS? vagal –? adenosine
How do you treat HTN emergency?
amlodipine (CCB - 2.5mg)
clonidine (alpha 2 - 0.2mg)
What is the initial tx for most symptomatic pts with CHF?
ACEI + diuretic
What is the initial test of choice for heart failure?
TTE (echo) - noninvasive assessment of anatomy and function
What % occlusion causes angina?
@ rest 90%
w/ exercise 75%
What is the treatment for variant angina?
CCB + nitrate
What is the treatment for acute bronchitis?
symptomatic, bronchodilators
What is the treatment for acute bronchiolitis?
humidified O2
What is the treatment for epiglottis?
2nd/3rd gen cephalosporins
Ceftriaxone/ceftaxrine
What is the treatment for croup?
dexamethasone (0.6mg/kg po x 1) + humidified O2
max of 10 or 20mg total?
What is the treatment for pertussis?
Macrolide (erythromycin)
What is the treatment for acute pericarditis?
NSAIDs
What causes aortic regurgitation?
Rheumatic heart disease, endocarditis Marfans syndrome syphilis SLE ankylosing spondylitis (bamboo spine)
What is the pathophysiology of aortic regurgitation?
Aortic valve fails to close during diastole which leads to blood flow back into LV from aorta at the same time that blood is flowing from LA to LV – this leads to LV volume overload –> LVH –> CHF
What are the signs and sxs of aortic regurgitation?
diastolic decrescendo blowing murmur heard at the LUSB
widened pulse pressures
What increases the intensity of the aortic regurgitation murmur?
squatting, sitting forward, hand grip (think anything straining)
What decreases the intensity of the aortic regurgitation murmur?
decrease venous return: valsalva
inspiration
nitrates
What is the Austin Flint murmur and what is it associated with?
associated with aortic regurg
mid-late diastolic rumble at the apex secondary to retrograde regurgitation jet competing with antegrade flow from LA into LV (functional mitral stenosis)
How is aortic regurgitation diagnosed?
Echo
CXR might show cardiomegaly and some pulmonary congestion if bad
What is the treatment for aortic regurg?
We want to decrease afterload (in hopes that this will decrease the back flow into LV?)
This is done with nitrates, ACEI, hydralazine (vasodilator)
(NOT BB–> they decrease HR and thus increase the amount of time in diastole)
surgery for those pts with LV decompensation: decreased EF
What causes mitral stenosis?
rheumatic heart disease MC
What is the pathophysiology of mitral stenosis?
obstruction of flow from LA to LV causing blood to back up in LA leading to pressure and volume overload –> pulmonary congestion/HTN
What is the clinical manifestation of mitral stenosis?
dyspnea MC sx
hemoptysis
a. fib
dysphagia (d/t esophageal compression from enlarged LA)
opening snap, early diastolic rumble at apex (low-pitched)
What age group presents with mitral stenosis?
since the MC cause is rheumatic heart disease the mean age is 30s-40s
What increases the intensity of mitral stenosis?
increasing venous return via squatting or left lateral decubitus position
What decreases the intensity of mitral stenosis?
decrease venous return by valsalva or inspiration
What is the treatment for mitral stenosis?
percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty/valvotomy
loop diuretics and Na+ restriction if congestion sxs
What is the most common valvular disease?
Aortic stenosis
What is the pathophysiology of aortic stenosis?
normal area: 3-4 cm2
sxs: <1cm2
stenosis leads to LV outflow obstruction –> fixed CO –> increases afterload (pressure overload) –> LVH
What is the clinical manifestations of aortic stenosis?
dyspnea (mc sxs)
Angina
Syncope (exertional)
CHF (worst prognosis)
narrowed pulse pressures (the opposite of aortic regurg)
once pts start having sxs their life span decreases dramatically if valve replacement not done
What is the murmur for aortic stenosis?
systolic ejection crescendo-decrescendo murmur at RUSB that radiates to carotid
What decreases murmur intensity in aortic stenosis?
decrease in venous return (valsalva, standing) handgrip
What increases murmur intensity in aortic stenosis?
increase in venous return: squatting, leg raise, leaning forward
How is aortic stenosis dx?
Echo
LVH on EKG
What is the treatment for aortic stenosis?
no medication treatment surgery is the only effective treatment valve replacement for those sx pts percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty intraortic balloon pump
What is the MC cause of mitral regurg?
mitral valve prolapse
What is the pathophys of mitral regurg?
blood flows from LV to LA – LV volume overload –> dilation –> decrease CO
What are the clinical manifestations of mitral regurg?
pulmonary edema
hypotension
dyspnea
chronic: a. fib
What is the murmur associated with mitral regurg?
blowing, holosystolic murmur @ apex with radiation
Humeral head fracture can cause what nerve damage?
brachial plexus or axillary nerve
Humeral shaft fracture can cause which nerve damage?
radial nerve –> wrist drop
Claw hand is which nerve damage?
ulnar nerve
Navicular fracture
anatomical snuff box tenderness
Which elbow dislocation is most common?
posterior MC
Which shoulder dislocation is most common?
anterior
posterior is much less common and typically from muscle spasms d/t seizures, getting struck by lightening, and some MCVs
Monteggia fx
proximal ulnar fx with radial head dislocation at elbow
Galeazzi fx
distal radial shaft fx + dislocation of distal ulna
Beck’s Triad
JVD
hypotension
muffled heart sounds
What is the treatment for asthma?
albuterol 2.5mg q 20-30 min
albuterol, beta agonist, will increase HR
Which ABX should be given to a pt with COPD flare?
azithromycin (Z-pack)
A pts CXR shows PNA, when do you admit them?
CURB65
Age >/=65, SBP <90 or DBP <60, confusion, BUN >19, RR >/=30
What is the PNA tx for an inpt?
azithromycin + ceftriaxone
What is the MC cause of hemoptysis?
bronchitis
What is the treatment for croup?
dexamethasone 0.6mg/kg po x 1 (max dose 20 mg)
Who gets tested for influenza?
<2yo, >/=65, pregnant, other underlying heart or lung dz)
What is the treatment for influenza?
tamiflu (oseltamivir) or relenza (zanamivir)
only treat in sxs started <72 hours ago
What is the cause of whooping cough?
bordetella pertussis (there’s a vaccine for it)
What is the treatment for pertussis?
o2, neb,
abx only to decrease contagiousness (macrolides)
What pathogens cause CAP?
community acquired PNA
s. pneumo (MC), mycoplasma (MC atypical “walking” PNA), h. flu
What is the common pathogen of PNA in alcoholics?
klebsiella
RSV
respiratory syncytial virus
common lung and URI in children <2 yo
tx: supportive treatment
What is one important assessment question you must ask pts in the ED with asthma or COPD exacerbation?
Have you ever been intubated before?
*always ask triggers – what were they doing when this began
How does albuterol work in asthma?
binds to beta receptors that activates to cAMP and decreased Ca2+ release –> smooth muscle relaxation
What are the most common causes of pleural effusion?
CHF, PNA, CA, PE
Transudate
typically bilateral (unlike exudate) low protein
Exudate
typically unilateral
high in protein
What is the treatment for pleural effusion?
thoracentesis (typically done by IR)
or chest tube if large
How is pleural effusion dx?
pleural friction rub to auscultation
blunting of the costophrenic angles (seen when fluid is >250ml)
What are the signs and sxs of tension pneumothorax?
increased JVP, pulsus paradoxus, hypoTN
unilateral pleuritic CP, decreased breath sound
decreased lung markings on CXR w/ respiratory view
What is the treatment for pneumothorax?
tension: needle decompression in the 2nd ICS at MCL (heaven is above and hell is below a rib)
chest tube for other pneumothorax that are >15% of diameter of hemithorax (2-3cm)
What questions must you ask when you assessing risk of PE?
hemoptysis O2 sat Hormone use age >50 hx DVT or PE surgery or trauma within last 4 weeks
tachy?
travel within the last 3 months
What is the treatment for PE?
Anticoagulation –> LMWH (Lovenox or enoxaparin)
IVC filters only for pts who are stable but can not have anticoagulation treatment
TPA only considered for pts who are hemodynamically unstable
White out on CXR
ARDS
spares the costophrenic angles
How is ARDS dx?
white out on CXR
ABG PaCO2/FIO2 <200 refractory to 100% oxygen
catheter wedge pressure <18 (>18 = cardiogenic pulmonary edema)
What is the treatment for ARDS?
CPAP or mechanical ventilation (tx underlying condition)
keep O2 >90%
PEEP prevents airway collapse
How does someone with an anterior shoulder dislocation present?
arm abducted, externally rotated with loss of deltoid contour
What is the work up and treatment for anterior shoulder dislocation?
rule out axillary nerve injury
reduction with use of propofol +/- ketamine
inferior –> external rotation –> abduction of the shoulder
Light bulb or ice cream cone shape to shoulder xray
posterior shoulder dislocation
Proximal humerus fracture
FOOSH or direct blow
*common side of fx with breast ca metastasis
risk of brachial plexus or axillary nerve injury
What splint would you do for a humeral shaft fracture?
sugar tong
Humeral shaft fx
FOOSH or direct trauma
radial nerve injury risk –> wrist drop
tx: sugar tong splint
Supracondylar humerus fracture
FOOSH with hyperextended elbow, MC kids 5-10yo
risk of medial nerve and brachial artery injury
+ fat pads on elbow xray
tx: displaced: ORIF, nondisplaced: posterior splint
What is the MC bone fx in kids?
clavicle fracture
risk of brachial plexus injury or PTX
tx: mid 1/3: sling 4-6 weeks
proximal 1/3: ortho consult
Radial head fracture
FOOSH
posterior fat pad sign or displaced anterior fat pad
tx: sling if nondisplaced
Olecranon fracture
direct blow
risk of ulnar nerve damage
tx: reduction
Galeazzi fx
mid-distal radial shaft fx + dislocation of distal ulna
FOOSH
tx: ORIF
Monteggia fx
proximal ulnar fracture + anterior dislocation of radial head
direct blow to arm
tx: ORIF
What is the MC dislocation in kids?
elbow (posterior)
What is the MC carpal fracture?
scaphoid fracture (snuff box tenderness –> thumb spica splint)
Colles fracture
distal radius fracture w/ dorsal/posterior angulation
FOOSH w/ wrist extension (increase incidence post menopausal)
tx: sugar tong splint
Smiths Fracture
the opposite to colles fx
fall oto a flexed wrist
distal radius fx + anterior dislocation
Barton fracture
intra-articular distal radius fracture w/ carpal dislocation
perilunate dislocation
lunate and capitate no longer articular
but lunate still articulates with radius
Lunate dislocation
lunate doesnt articulate w/ either radius or capitate –> emergency
“piece of pie” sign AP
“spilled teacup” lateral xray
Lunate fx
most emergent carpal fracture
avascular necrosis of this bone can lead to Kienbocks disease
tx: immobilize (refer to ortho?)
Boxers fracuter
fracture to the neck of the 5th metacarpal bone
communicated transverse fracture +/- loss of knuckle on exam
also check for bites (from fight –> tx: augmentin)
reduction
ulnar gutter splint
Bennett Fracutre
intra-articular fracture through base of 1st metacarpal bone with distal fragment dislocated radially and dorsally d/t abductor pollicus longus
ORIF
thumb spica for temporary stabilization
Acetabular fracture
MC pelvic fracture
d/t high-impact injury
Hip dislocations
emergencies
MC posterior
Trauma MC cause
complications: avascular necrosis, sciatic nerve injury, DVT, bleeding
Shortened leg, internally rotated and adducted
hip dislocation
hip pain with shortened leg, externally rotated and abducted
hip fx
Legg Calve Perthes
idiopathic avascular necrosis of femoral head in kids d/t ischemia of capital femoral epiphysis
MC 4-10yo
M>F
painless limping
Slipped Capital femoral epiphysis
femoral head slips posterior and inferior at growth plate
MC age 7-16yo d/t growth spurt
tx: non-weight bearing
ORIF
Cauda eqine
EMERGENCY
nerve root compression of L4-L5 or L5-S1
urinary retention, loss of bladder/bowel control (decreased rectal tone)
tx: immediate surgical decompression
Saddle Anesthesia
loss of sensation in butt, inner thigh, perineum
Who is at increased risk of osteomyelitis?
IVDU, DM/immunocomp, children, sickle cell
overlying infection or open fracture
Which bone fractures are more likely to spread infection throughout the blood?
pelvis, vertebrae, clavicles/sternum
What is the treatment for osteomyelitis?
need for tissue cultures for sensitivity
MSSA: nafcillin 2g IV q4h, cefazolin 2gIV q8h
MRSA: vancomycin 30mg/kg IV q24h (divided into 2-3 doses/day)
Monoarticular joint swelling
septic joint until proven otherwise
> 10,000 WBC with a left shift is dx on arthrocentesis
knee is MC
What is the treatment for septic arthritis?
depends on the type of bacteria –> arthrocentesis, send for gram stain and culture
Gram + cocci: nafcillin
Gram - cocci or gonococcus: ceftriaxone
Gram - rods: ceftriaxone + anti-pseudomonal aminoglycoside (gentamicin)
No organism seen: nafcillin or vanc + ceftriaxone
How is osteomyelitis dx?
bone aspiration = gold standard
elevated ESR
periosteal reaction on xray
Costochondritis
acute inflammation of rib, clavicle, and/or sternal joints d/t viral infection
substernal pleuritic CP thats worse with arm movement
TTP and pinpoint pain to 2nd-5th costochondral junctions
What is the treatment for bursitis?
inflammation of bursa over bony prominence commonly d/t gout, inflammation, trauma, infections
limited ROM with flexion
tx: NSAIDs, local steroid injections
rest
Podagra
the 1st MTP joint that is the MC involved with gout
How can you tell gout from psuedogout?
gout: negative birefringent needle shaped crystals on arthrocentesis
Gout
uric acid depostion in soft tissue, joints, and bone
MC d/t underexcretion of uric acid
What foods should be avoided in pts with gout?
high purine rich foods like alcohol, liver, seafood, yeast
What meds should be avoided in pts with gout?
diuretics, ACEI, ARB, ethambutol, aspirin
Punches out lesions or mouse bites on xray
gout
What is the treatment of gout?
acute: NSAIDS (not ASA), + colchicine
chronic: allopurinol (increases uric acid excretion
A pulled muscle is also called….
strain
Epigastric abdominal pain DDx
pancreatitis, PUD, MI, aortic aneurysms, gastritis
LLQ abdominal pain DDx
diverticulitis, ischemic colitis, appendicitis, gynecologic disorders
RLQ abdominal pain DDx
appendicitis, crohns disease, diverticulitis, ovarian torsion, gynecologic disorders
Abrupt vs waxing and waning abdominal pain
abrupt: perforation of a hollow viscus
waxing and waning: colicky, suggests obstruction
Esophagitis
pill vs infection induced
Pill: doxyxycline, NSAIDs, bisphoshonates, KCl, quinidine
Infectious: MC in immunocompromised: candida, HSV, CMV
Odynophagia
painful swallowing
How is esophagitis dx?
esophagoscopy with biopsy and culture
candida: air contrast barium swallow shows ulceration and plaques
What is the treatment for infectious esophagitis?
candida: ketoconazole or fluconazole
HSV: acyclovir
How is pill esophagitis avoided?
take pill with lots of water and sit upright for 30min after taking pill