High Yield 1 Flashcards
What info to obtain in focus history in Emergency?
Age and sex of patient, mechanism of injury, injury sustained, signs and symptoms, treatment so far
How to manage bleeding in long bones ?
Immobilise and splint
How to approach unconscious pt
Primary Survey
Airway - responsiveness? patent?
Breathing - look, listen, feel
No breathing, pulse felt
Rescue breaths 1 every 6s
No breathing, no pulse
Chest compressions + RB 30:2
AED
Breathing - RR, sats
Circulation
CRT, HR, BP
Assess for sources of bleeding - long bones
Hemorrhage control
Disability
PEARL
Glucose
Movement + sensation x4 limbs
Exposure
Occult injuries
Medic alert bracelet
Keep pt warm
Causes of decreased LOC
Hyponatremia
Hypothermia
Hyperthermia
Hypovolemia
Hypoglycemia
Infection
Stroke
Most common form of hyponatremia
Dilutional
Describe the causes of hyponatremia in an endurance athlete
D/t excess water, sodium loss during sweating, activity induced release of ADH
Why do neurological sx occur in hyponatremia?
D/t cerebral edema (exercise associated hyponatremic encephalopathy)
When do symptoms of hyponatremia occur?
If sodium is <125 or if loss if abrupt (10% fall in 24hr period)
Hx questions for ?hyponatremia
Food + water intake
NSAIDs, SSRIs, diuretics, APs + amiodarone use
Sx of hyponatremia
Mild = dizziness, HA, vomiting, cramping
Mod = confusion, inability to concentrate, swollen hands + feet, bloating
Severe = delirium, szs, resp distress, pulmonary edema, coma
RF for hyponatremia
High heat, humidity, excess water stations at event, inexperienced athletes, females, older age, CF gene, high fluid intake, SIADH, use of NSAIDs prior to or during event, longer race time, high or low BMI
What to assess on physical of hyponatremia
Vitals
Weight
Fluid status - BP, skin turgor, edema, pulmonary exam
Mental status
Investigations for ?hyponatremia
Na <135
CBC, lytes, BUN, Cr, glucose, LFTs, PTT, INR
ABGs
Correct serum sodium for hyperglycemia if present
DDx for hyponatremia
Hypovolemia, hypothermia, hyperthermia, hypoglycemia
MI
Adrenal crisis
CHF
AKI
Management of Mild hyponatremia (>130)
monitor, fluid restrict - will likely self correct w/ urination
Fluid restriction is CI in rhabdomyolysis
Do not D/C until able to urinate
Management of Moderate hyponatremia
ABCs
Supine w/ legs elevated
hypertonic oral fluids (4 cubes bullion in 4oz water = 9% saline solution OR 3 salts packs in half cup gatorade = 3% saline solution)
Restrict all other oral fluids until pt is able to void
Do not D/C until able to urinate
Management of severe hyponatremia
ABCs
Supine w/ legs elevated
give 100ml bolus 3% saline IV and repeat after 10 mins if no response, transfer to hospital.
Alternatively can give IV bicarb ampule (50ml of 8.4% NaHCO3)
Goal is 1-2meQ/L/hr increase in Na level
If AMS present, give high flow O2 also
How long can hyponatremia occur for after exercise?
Can occur up to 24hrs after prolonged exercise
How to prevent hyponatremia
Educate participants
Drink dictated by thirst
Reduce availability of fluids
Monitor weight before + after race - if weight gained, reduce fluid intake
Sx - heat exhaustion
Hot, thirsty, cramps
Fatigue
N/V
Dizziness, syncope
Sx - heat stroke
Prev hx of heat exhaustion
Irritability, confusion
CNS sx
Physical exam findings for heat exhaustion
Normal or elevated temp <40
Flushed skin
Profuse sweating
Cold, clammy skin
Physical exam findings for heat stroke
Confusion, ataxia
Temp >40
Tachycardia, SOB, hypotension
Hot skin +/- sweating
Investigations for ?heat exhaustion/ stroke
ECG
Lytes
Blood gas
Blood sugar (normal fasting/ before meals = 4-7)
Kidney function
Coagulation
Risk factors for heat stroke
Young or old
Dehydration
Increased body fat %
Overmotivation
Heat exhaustion on prev day / cumulative heat load
Heat + humidity
Poor acclimatization
Inappropriate clothing
Equipment (pads, helmets)
Sickle trait
Supplements/ drugs - cocaine, amphetamine, ephedra, BB, diuretics, CCB, TCAs, antihistamines
Concurrent illness - viral illness, cardiac dz
DDx for heat exhaustion
Dehydration
Electrolyte abnormality
CV disease
Exercise associated collapse
CNS lesion
Thyroid abnormality
Infection
Management of heat stroke/ exhaustion
Fast cooling ASAP
Ice tub, move to cool environment, remove excess clothing, apply ice bags to neck, axilla + groin
Supine position w/ legs elevated
Replace fluids + electrolytes - PO or IV
Monitor rectal temp every few mins - remove from ice bath when temp is 38.9
Observe athletes for an hour after temp returns to normal
If unstable or if still symptomatic after 1 hr of cooling, transfer to hospital
Complications of heat stroke
End organ failure
Death
Szs
CV collapse
ARDS
Liver failure
Kidney failure
Rhabdomyolysis
DIC
Prevention of heat exhaustion in future
Pre + post exercise hydration, increase electrolyte intake (mainly sodium)
Acclimatise (takes 10-14 days)
Appropriate clothing
Graduated training
Manage heat exhaustion on preceding days effectively
Provide shade, ice water, misting fans
Modify time, intesnity + exposure during hot/ humid weather
Gear up in stages
Manage “tough” culture (i.e. player pride, tough coaches)
Optimise sleep, no alcohol
Cold tubs before and after exercise
RTP for heat stroke
Stroke
7 days rest or until asymptomatic + labs returned to normal
FU 1 wk
Begin gradually increasing training in cool environment over 2 week period
Gradually increase heat acclimatization
Return to comp 2-4 wks after 2 wks asymptomatic training + acclimatization
RTP for heat exhaustion
Exhaustion - 24-48hrs can return to activity, gradually increase intensity + volume
Superficial vs deep frostbite
Superficial - partial or complete freeze of skin
Deep - involvement of skin + underlying tissue
RF for hypothermia
Cold temp, wind chill, prolonged exposure, high altitude
Wet clothing
Immersion in water
Fatigue
Low body fat
Alcohol use
Extremes of age
Underlying medical conditions - sickle anemia, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, szs, hypothyroidism
RF for frostbite
Cold temp, wind chill, prolonged exposure, high altitude
Wet clothing
Immersion in water
Prior cold injury
Petroleum or oil lubricants
Constrictive clothing or shoes
Smoking
Vasospastic disorders (Raynauds)
Sx Frostbite
Skin that is erythematous, swollen or waxy, white, yellow, blue/ purple
Blisters
Numbness +/- pain
Sx of Hypothermia
Shivering, confusion, amnesia, dysarthria, ataxia
Physical exam findings in hypothermia
Loss of deep tendon reflexes
Loss of shivering
Muscle rigidity
Cardiac arrhythmias
Dilated pupils
Reduced LOC
Hypotension
Reduced RR
Tachycardia initially then bradycardia
how to do body temp in hypothermia
Core body temp
Esophageal has greatest accuracy but only to be used when pt airway is secure
If not secure, use epitympanic
Oral temp inadequate for diagnosis
Rectal temp not advised until in warm environment to reduce further cold exposure
Physical exam findings in frostbite
Neurovascular status
Pliability of tissue - soft tissue = more likely superficial frostbite, hard tissue = more likely deep
Investigations in frostbite/ hypothermia
MRI or technetium 99 bone scan for frostbite severity + prognosis
ECG to assess for arrhythmias (AFib, VF, prolonged PR, QRS + QT intervals, J waves)
Lytes, VBG
DDx for Frostbite
frostnip, trench foot, chilblains, raynauds
DDx for Hypothermia
metabolic abnormalities, alcohol ingestion, head injury
Management of Frostbite
Avoid thawing until no further risk of refreezing
Immerse affected part in 37-39 degrees
Remove wet clothing
Rehydration w/ warmed fluids
Avoid rubbing skin
Monitor + treat concurrent hypothermia
In ED
Debride white blisters, apply topical aloe vera
Blood blisters - apply topical aloe vera
Consider tetanus prophylaxis
NSAIDs unless CI
Intra-arterial plasminogen activator within 6-24hrs of rewarming may decrease amputation rate
IV iloprost administered up to 48hrs after rewarming may decrease amputation rate
management of Hypothermia
Remove wet clothing
Blankers, dry clothing, move to warm environment
Heating pad, hot water bottle to torso - monitor BP d/t risk of hypotension from rapid rewarming
Hot drinks
In ED
Continuous cardiac monitoring
Active internal + external rewarming
Monitor electrolytes
Severe cases in young, otherwise healthy pts may need cardiopulmonary bypass
Prevention in future of cold injury
Event planning based on temperature
Proper clothing inc hats, mittens, multiple layers
Avoid alcohol
Recognise signs + sx of hypothermia + get to shelter
Complications of hypothermia
Cardiac arrhythmias
Electrolyte + acid-base disorders
DIC
Complications of frostbite
Amputation
Premature closure of epiphysis in young athletes
Autonomic dysfunction of affected extremity
Permanent cold sensitivity + susceptibility to cold injury
RF for drowning
Male age
Young age
Low income
Unattended children
Alcohol or drug use
Limited swimming ability
Trauma
Risky behaviour
Shallow water blackout (intentional hyperventilation)
Exacerbation of existing conditions (szs, cardiac dz, syncope)
Hypothermia
Panic/ anxiety
Sx following drowning
Respiratory (can occur up to 8 hrs after drowning)
Increased RR, wheezing, cough, SOB
Bronchospasm
Neuro (d/t cerebral edema + raised ICP - can be up to 24hrs after injury)
Confusion, myoclonic jerks, szs
Management following drowning
ABCs
C spine precautions
O2 15L via NRB
Foil blanket (consider removing wet clothing if possible)
Transfer to ED
NG tube for stomach decompression
Monitor for electrolyte abnormalities
Suspected hypoxic brain injury - hyperventilation, head elevation, diuretics + muscle relaxants
Monitor for min 8 hrs for pts with resp sx following drowning
Can be d/c when normal vitals, normal mentation, improving or resolved resp sx, normal lung sounds, normal CXR
Complications following drowning
CV
Arrhythmia (tachycardia, bradycardia, AFib, PEA, asystole)
Cardiac ischemia (d/t takotsubo cardiomyopathy, coronary artery spasm, hypothermia, hypoxia)
Hypothermia
Hypovolemia d/t cold diuresis (vasoconstriction to direct blood to core organs, central volume receptors sense fluid overload, decreased ADH, increase urine production)
Atypical PNA
Metabolic acidosis (hypoxia + hypoperfusion)
Rhabdomyolysis
Acute tubular necrosis
DIC
Prevention of drowning
Parental supervision
Swimming lessons
Pool fencing
Lifeguards
Restricted swimming areas w/ proper signage
What is epilepsy?
2 unprovoked szs that occur >24hrs apart
What is status epilepticus?
One continuous sz lasting >5 mins or 2 or more szs where there is no full return to consciousness
Sx + hx questions for ?sz
Change in muscle tone
Convulsions
Decreased LOC
Staring spells
Bladder or bowel incontinence
Postictal confusion
Todd paralysis
Collateral hx
Prev seizures + head injuries
Physical exam for ?sz
Temp
Assess for focal neurological deficits (if present, think trauma or tumor)
Meningismus signs
Papilledema (think raised ICP)
Tongue biting
Injuries that could have occurred during seizures
Causes of szs
Alcohol w/d
AV malformation
Hypoglycemia
Hyponatremia
Fever
Hepatic failure
Substance use or w/d
Intracranial swelling
Brain tumor
Posttraumatic sz
Stroke
Syncope
Uremia
Management of szs
General
Support ABCs
If in setting of trauma, stabilize C spine
Protect pt from injury
Keep pt in lateral recovery position
Transfer to ED if no known sz disorder
Meds
Check blood sugar
Intra-buccal, nasal or IM benzo (midaz 10mg)
If no success, repeat 5 mins later
Longterm:
If no reversible cause found, start regular med
Levetiracetam, phenytoin, valproic acid
May need monitoring
When to refer szs to neuro
First time unprovoked sz
Initiation of anti-convulsant
For outpt EEG
RTP for szs
Should be based on probability of sz occurring, sz type, usual timing of sx occurrance, SE of anticonvulsant meds
Prevention of szs
Exercise may decrease sz frequency
Sufficient + regular sleep
Limiting alcohol intake
Exercise at high altitudes can cause hypoxia + induce szs
What qs to ask on hx of ?anaphylaxis, and what sx?
Prev hx of anaphylaxis
Time between exposure + sx
Sx:
Allergic type mediated by IgE
Acute onset (mins - hours)
Skin or mucosal tissue involvement: lip, throat, tongue swelling, hives, itching, flushing AND:
Resp compromise (SOB, wheezing, stridor, hypoxia)
CV (hypotension, syncope, incontinence)
GI (abdo pain, vomiting)
May have hx of less severe reaction previously on exposure
Exercise induced anaphylaxis
Occurs in response to physical exertion
Cold urticaria
Reproducible, rapid onset of erythema, pruritus, edema after exposure to cold
RF for anaphylaxis
Prev allergic reaction to same allergen
Coexisting atopic dz, particularly poorly controlled asthma
Older age at first reaction to food allergy
Physical signs of anaphylaxis
Bronchospasm, layngeal edema
Hypotension, arrhythmias
Urticaria, angioedema
DDx for ?anaphylaxis
PE
MI
Airway obstruction
Asthma
Tension pneumothorax
Vasovagal collapse
Septic shock
Hereditary angioedema
Pheochromocytoma
Carcinoid syndrome
Management of anaphylaxis - sideline
Support ABCs
Remove trigger
Epi
0.3mg epi pen in adult or 0.15mg in child
If only 1:1000 available, administer 0.5mg IM in adult or 0.3mg in child
Repeat every 5 mins if sx continue for 3-4 doses
WADA requires emergency TUE afterwards if using epinephrine
Place pt supine and elevate legs
Ventolin if bronchospasm present
Management of anaphylaxis - ED
Continuous cardiac monitoring + vitals until stable
May need aggressive volume resuscitation
IV fluids +/- vasopressors for hypotension
In volume refractory hypotension, may need continious IV epi
Antihistamines for cutaneous sx
Diphenhydramine 50mg IV for adults or 1-2mg/kg slow IV pump for kids
Steroids may decrease chance of having a biphasic reaction
Methylprednisone for severe reactions
125mg IV for adults
1-2mg/kg IV for kids (max dose 80mg)
Prednisone for mild reactions
60mg PO adults
4-8mg/kg IV kids
Complications of anaphylaxis
DIC
Szs
Death
Prevention of anaphylaxis
Avoidance of allergen
Immunotherapy
Common causes of anaphylaxis
Food most common causative agent in kids
Meds most common causative agent in adults
Other causes: venom, latex, vaccines
Hx questions for lacerations
Assess blood loss
Weakness, numbness, tingling
NSAIDs, ASA, antiplatelets, blood thinners
Tetanus
Determine potential for FB
Physical exam for lacerations
Nerve + motor function
Pulses distal to laceration
Cap refill
Management of lacerations
ABCs
Examine
Explore for FB
Remove devitalized tissue
Assess injury to underlying structures
Irrigation
Clean w/ soap + water
Remove FB
Irrigate w/ clean tap water
Debride wound edges
Closure
Close all wounds except puncture wounds that can’t be irrigated
Local anesthetic
Close w/ surgical tape, staples, glue or sutures
Dressing
Non stick dressing until staples or sutures are removed
Meds
Tetanus
Vaccine needed if: last tetanus shot >5 yrs ago in dirty wound or >10 yrs in clean wound or not received full tetanus primary 5 dose series
Abx for open #, exposed tendon, exposed joint
Qs to ask on hx of epistaxis
Timing, frequency, severity
Quantify amount of blood loss
Trauma?
Bleeding conditions
Use of intranasal cocaine
Meds - ASA, anticoagulants, intranasal steroids
Initial management of epistaxis
Sit in upright position, leaning forward
Blow nose to remove clots + FB
Examine
If no source identified, refer to ENT
In trauma:
Assess for deformity
Palpate bony structures
Evaluate EOM + stability of teeth
Evaluate for concussion
Apply LA + vasoconstrictior (Afrin - lido w/ epi + oxymetazoline)
Pinch nose against septum continuously for 15 mins
Cold compress
Persistent epistaxis despite initial management
If not stopping - may need cautery
LA first
Silver nitrate x10s
Do not cauterize both sides of septum in same session to reduce risk of septal perforation
If still not stopping, consider packing
Nasal tampon, lubricated
Leave in place for 1-5 days
If >24hrs, give abx to prevent toxic shock syndrome
If posterior bleed, refer to ENT +/- balloon insertion
Complications of packing for epistaxis
Septal hematomas, abscesses, pressure necrosis, sinusitis
After car for epistaxis
Refrain from heavy lifting, blowing or picking nose
No alcohol
Nasal saline rinses
FU w/ PCP to investigate underlying cause
If recurrent epistaxis, should have XR + nasal endoscopy to r/o neoplastic lesion
MOI EDH
Temporal skull # causing bleeding of middle meningeal artery is most common