High Yield Flashcards
What is Heart Failure
The inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to meet the metabolic demands of the body at normal filing pressures
What is the most common cause of Heart Failure
CAD
Sx of Left sided Heart Failure
Dyspnea, Orthopnea, Pulmonary congestion, Edema, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea
Transudative pleural effusions
HTN, Cheyne Stoke’s Breathing, S4
Dusky pail skin, diaphoresis, sinus tachycardia, cool extremities
Sx of Right sided Heart Failure
Increased systemic venous pressure, signs of fluid retention
Peripheral Edema, JVD, Anorexia, N/V, Hepatosplenomegaly
Dx of Heart Failure
Echo - Can measure Ejection Fraction and see size of heart (Cardiomegaly)
CXR - Can see Congestive HF well (cardiomegaly)
Increased BNP (these increase in number when there is fluid overload)
What are common medications used in long term management of Heart Failure
Ace-Inhibitors: 1st line tx for HF ARBs if Ace-I can't be tolerated Beta-Blockers Nitrates Diuretics: Most effective for sx
What are Heart Failure medications that decrease mortality
Ace-I, ARB, Beta-Blckers, Nitrates + Hydralazine, Spironolactone
When is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator used in patients with Heart Failure
When ejection fraction is
What are Ventricular Dysrhythmias
Ventricular dysrhythmias are frequently unstable and unpredictable
They are potentially lethal because stroke volume and coronary flow are compromised
Associated with weird QRS complexes
What is a premature ventricular complex (PVC)
Premature beat originating from ventricle
Usually T-wave is in opposite direction of the R
Associated with compensatory pause which results in overall rhythm unchages
Tx for Premature Ventricular Complrex
Usually none
What is Ventricular Tachycardia
> 3 consecutive PVC’s at a rate of >100bpm
What is a sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Duration of >30 seconds
What is the danger with Ventricular Tachycardias
They can turn into Torsades de Pointes which can in turn become Ventricular Fibrillation (bad!)
Tx for Stable Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Anti-Arrhythmics (Amiodarone, Lidocaine, Procainamide)
Tx for Unstable Ventricular Tachycardia with a pulse
Synchronized (direct current) cardioversion (DCC)
TX for Vetricular Tachycardia with no pulse
Defibrillation/CPR (treat as V.Fib)
Tx for Torsades de Pointes
IV Magnesium
What is Ventricular Fibrillation
A rapid inadequate heart beat
Tx of V.Fib
CPR and Defibrillation
What is Pulseless Electrical Activity
Organized rhythm seen on monitor but the patient has no palpable pulse
Tx of Pulseless Electrial Activity
CPR, Epinephrine, check for shockable rhythm every 2 minutes
What is Asystole Rhythm
No rhythm seen on monitor and no pulse
Tx of Asystole
CPR, Epinephrine, check for shockable rhythm every 2 minutes
What is the most common cause of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremities
Sx of Peripheral Artery Disease
Intermittent Claudication which is reproducible pain/discomfort in the extremity brought on by exercise/walking and relieved with rest
What does it mean when there is resting leg pain
Advanced Disease
What is an acute arterial embolism
Usually caused by sudden occlusion
6 P’s
Parasthesias, Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paralysis, Poikilothermia
Livedo Reticularis: Mottling with arteriolar occlusion
How does Gangrene result with Peripheral Arterial Disease
When arterial perfusion is so poor that spontaneous necrosis occurs
The tissue goes from purplish/blue to black
What is Wet Gangrene
Ulcers: Malodorous, copious, purulent, infected, blackened rgions
What is Dry Gangrene
Mummification of digits of foot
Sx of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Decreased or absent pulses Bruits Decreased capillary refill Atrophic skin changes, usually no edema Pale on elevation, dusky red with dependency LATERAL malleolus ulcers
Dx of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Gold Standard
Ankle Brachial Index: Normal is 1-1.2, positive if
Tx of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Platelet Inhbitors: Cilostazol, ASA, Plavix
Revascularizatio: PTA, Bypass grafts fem-pop, Endarterectomy
Supportive: Exercise, foot care,
Amputation if severe/gangrene
Acute Arterial Occlusion: Heparin for embolism, thrombolytics if thrombus, embolectomy
What is a pneumothorax
Air within the pleural space
Increasingly positive pleural pressure causes collapse of the lung
What is a Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Primary vs. Secondary
A ruptured bleb
Primary: No underlying lung disease, mainly affects young men, tall, smokers, family hx
Secondary: Underlying lung disease like COPD, Asthma, Menstruation
What is a Traumatic Pneumothorax
CPR, Thoracentesis, Subclavian lines or trauma
What is a Tension Pneumothorax
Positive air pressure pushes the lungs, trachea and heart to the contralateral side
Sx of a Pneumothorax
Chest pain, usually pleuritic and unilateral, Dyspnea
Increased Hyperresonance, Decreased fremitus, Decreased breath sounds, unequal respiratory expansion, tachycardia, tachypnea, Hypotenion
Sx of a Tension Pneumothorax
Increased JVP and pulses paradoxus
Dx of Pneumothorax
CXR with expiratory view
Decreased peripheral lung markings
Deep Sulcus
Tx of Pneumothorax
Obesrvation if small
Chest Tube if large
If Tension Pneumothorax: Needle aspiration first then chest tube. Needle is placed in 2nd intercostal space at midclavicular line of the affected side
what is an Aortic Dissection
Tear in the innermost layer of the aorta (intima)
Risk factors for Aortic Dissection
HTN, Age (50-60yrs), Vasculitis, traua, family hx, Collagen disorders (Marfans)
Sx of Aortic Dissection
Sudden onset of severe tearing chest/upper back pain
Decreased peripheral pulses
Variation in pulses between left arm and right arm
HTN
Dx of Aortic Dissection
Gold Standard
MRI Angiogram is gold standard
CXR: See widening mediastinum
CT scan with contrast is becoming test of choice
Trans Esophageal Echocardiograph
Tx of Aortic Dissection
Surgery if ascending or if there are complications such as vital rogan involvement, impending rupture
Medical t if descending, usually with Labetalol with sodium nitroprusside
Describe the features of a 3rd degree burn Depth Appearance Sensation Capillary Refill Prognosis
Full Thickness - Extends through entire skin
Waxy, white, leathery, dry
Painless
No capillary refill
Months to heal, does not spontaneously heal well
Tx for burns
Wash wound with mild soap and water Do not apply ice directly or ointments Debridemement, ruptures blisters should be removed Acetaminophen, NSAIDS for pain IV fluid resuscitation
Tx for 3rd degree burns
Cover with sterile dressing to prevent infection with nonadherent gauze and elastic guaze
What type of reaction is Urticaria (Hives)/Angioedea
Type I Hypersensitivity reaction (IgE)
What are common triggers for Urticaria
Antigen from foods, meds, infections, insect bites, drugs, environmental
What is the pathophysiology behind Urticaria
Mast cells release histamine which cause vasodilation of venules and edema of dermis and sub-q tissues
Sx of Urticaria
Blanchable, edematous pink papules, wheals or plaque
Sx of Angioedema
Painless, deeper form of urticaria affecting lips, tongue, eyelids, hands feet and genitals
Anaphylaxis may occur
Tx of Urticaria/Angioedema
Oral Antihistamines
Eliminate cause
H2 blockers
Corticosteroids
What is the clinical use of Anti-Thyroglobulin
Used to diagnose Hashimoto’s in Hypothyroidism
Used to diagnose Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Sx of Hypothyroidism
Decreased basic metabolic rate Cold Intolerance Weight gain Goiter Fatigue, Sluggishness, memory loss radycardia, Decreased CO Menorrhagia
What is Hashimotos
Autoimmune
Hypothyroidism
Dx of Hashimotos
Thyroglobulin antibodies present
Tx of Hashimotos
Levothyroxine
What are the 4 types of Thyroid Cancers
Least aggressive to most aggressive
Papillary
Follicular
Medullary
Anaplastic
What is the most common type of Thyroid Cancer Risk factors Age Characteristics Mets Prognosis Tx
Papillary Young females Least aggressive Local (cervical) mets Excellent prognosis Total Thyroidectomy
Discuss Follicular Thyroid Cancer Risk factors Age Characteristics Mets Prognosis Tx
Less often associated with radiation exposure 40-60yrs More aggressive Distant mets common Excellent prognosis Total Thyroidectomy
Discuss Medullary Thyroid Cancer Risk factors Age Characteristics Mets Prognosis Tx
Not associated with radiation exposure
Associated with MEN 2
Low cure rates
Secretes calcitonin, may cause diarrhea and flushing
Poorer prognosis
Total Thyroidectomy, Calcitonin levels used to monitor residual disease or to detect recurrence
Discuss Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Risk factors Age Characteristics Mets Prognosis Tx
May occur many years after radiation exposure
Males >65yrs
Most aggressive, rapid growth
Local and distant mets, may invade trachea
Poor prognosis
Most not amenable to surgical resection, External beam radiation, chemo
What is Hyperparathyroidism
Excess PTH production
Usually associated with MEN 1
What is Primary vs. Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Primary: Parathyroid Adenoma or Parathyroid Hyperplasia
Secondary: Increased PTH in response to hypocalcemia or Vitamin D deficiency, Chronic Kidney Disease
Sx of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Signs of Hypercalcemia: Stones, Bones, Groans, and psychic Moans, Decreased DTR
Dx of Hyperparathyroidism
Hypercalcemia + Increased PTH + Decreased Phosphate
Increased 24 hour urine calcium excretion
Tx of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Surgery: Parathyroidectomy
Tx of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Vitamin D and Calcium Supplement
What is Hypoparathyroidism
Low PTH or insensitivity to its action
What are 2 most common causes of Hypoparathyroidism
Accidental damage/removal during neck/thyroid surgery
Autoimmune destruction of parathyroid gland
Sx of Hypoparathyroidism
Signs of Hypocalcemia: Carpopedal Spasms, Trousseau and Chvostek Sign, Perioral Parasthesias, Increased DTR
Dx of Hypoparathyroidism
Hypocalcemia + Decreased PTH + Increased Phosphate
Tx of Hypoparathyroidism
Calcium Supplement and Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol or Calcitriol)
What is a Pheochromocytoma
Catecholamine secreting adrenal hormone
Secretes Norepinephrine and Epinephrine autonomously and intermittently
What are triggers for release of catecholamines from e Pheochromoctyoma
Surgery, exercise, pregnancy, meds (TCA, Opiates, metoclopramide, glucagon, Histamine)
Sx of Pheochromocytoma
HTN
Palpitations, Headaches, Excessive Sweating
Chest or abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss
Dx of a Pheochromocytoma
24 hour urine catecholamines including metabolites: Metanephrine and Vanillylmandelic Acid
MRI or CT to find adrenal tumor
Tx of a Pheochromoctyoma
Complete Adrenalectomy
Preoperative non-selective alpha-blockers: Phenoxybenzamine or Phentolamine for 7-14 days followed by beta blockers or CCB to control HTN
What is Chronic Adrenocortical Insufficiency
Disorder where adrenal gland does not produce enough hormones
What is Primary Adrenocortical Insufficiency (Addisons Disease)
Adrenal gland destruction which causes lack of cortisol and aldosterone
Can be due to autoimmune, infection, vascular, or Mets
What is Secondary Adrenocortical Insufficiency
Pituitary failure of ACTH secretion (lack of Cortisol)
Aldosterone is intact because it is regulated by RAAS system
Exogenous steroid use is the main cause
Sx of Primary Adrenocortical Insufficiency (Addisons)
Hyperpigmentation due to increased ACTH Decreased Aldosterone -Orthostatic Hypotension (syncope, dizziness) -Hyponatremia -Hyperkalemia -Metabolic Acidosi -Hypoglycemia Decrease sex hormones: in women leads to loss of libido, amenorrhea, loss of axillary and public hair
Dx of Adrenocortical Insufficiency
First get a baseline ACTH, Cortisol, and Renin levels
Second, High dose ACTH Stimulation Test
-Normal response is rise in blood/urine cortisol levels
-Adrenocortical Insufficiency: Little or no increase in cortisol levels
Third, CRH Stimulation Test
-Primary: High ACTH, Low Cortisol
-Secondary: Low ACTH, Low Cortisol
Tx of Adrenocortical Insufficiency
Hormone Replacement
Primary: Replace both Glucocorticoids (Hydrocortisone) and Mineralocorticoids (Fludrocortisone)
Secondary: Replace only Glucocorticoids
What considerations should be taken in people with Adrenocortical Insufficiency prior to a surgery
Remember cortisol is a stress hormone and surgery is a stressful stimulant
Prior to and after surgery, patient must be given IV Glucocorticoids and IV Isotonic fluids to mimic the body’s natural response
What is an Adrenal (Addisonian) Crisis
Sudden worsening of adrenal insufficiency due to a stressful event (surgery, trauma, volume loss, hypotermia, MI, fever, sepsis, hypoglycemia, steroid withdrawal)
What can cause and Addison Crisis
Abrupt withdrawal of steroids
Previously undiagnosed adrenocortical insufficiency
Exacerbation of known Addison’s Disease (surgery, trauma, etc.)
Bilateral adrenal infarction
Sx of Addisons Crisis
Shock, decreased blood pressure
Hypotension, Hypovolemia
Abdominal pain, N/V, fever, weakness, lethargy, coma
Dx of Addisons Crisis
Hyponatremia, Hyperkalemia, Hypoglycemia
Cortisol levels, ACTH levels, CBC
Tx of Addisons Crisis
IV Fluids to correct Hypotension and Hypovolemia
Glucocorticoids
Reversal of electrolyte abnormalities
Fludrocortisone (Florinef)
What is Cholecystitis
Cystic duct obstruction usually by gallstone which leads to inflammation/infection
Sx of Cholecystitis
Biliary Colic (Episodic RUQ/Epigastric pain beginning abruptly, continuous in duration, resolves slowly lasting 30 minute- hours, preciptated by fatty foods or large meals) Fever, N/V, Palpable GB (Positive Murphy's Sign)
Dx of Cholecystitis
Initial test
Gold Standard
Labs
Ultrasound is initial test of choice
HIDA scan is gold standard (positive if gallbladder can’t be visualized)
Increased WBC, Increased Bili, Increased ALP and LFT
Tx of Cholecystitis
Conservative: NPO, IVF, Abx (cephalosporin + Metronidazole)
Cholecystectomy within 72 hours
What is fecal impaction
Severe impaction of stool in rectal vault which can result in obstruction to fecal flow and large bowel obstruction
What are predisposing factors of fecal impaction
Medications (Opioids) Severe psychiatric disease Prolonged bed rest Nerogenic disorders of colon Spinal cord disorders
Sx of Fecal Impaction
Anorexia N/V Abdominal Pain Distention DRE will have palpable firm feces
Tx of Fecal Impaction
Enemas: Saline, Mineral Oil
Digital Disruption
Improved care with stool softeners, increased fiber in diet and increased water intake
What is Intussusception
Intestinal segment invaginates or telescopes into adjoining intestinal lumen which leads to bowel obstruction
Often occurs after viral infection
Common in babies/kids
What is the most common site for Intussusception
Ileocolic Junction
What are lead points for Intussusception
Meckel Diverticulum Enlarged Mesenteric Lymph Node Hyperplasia of Payer's Patches Tumors Foreign Body
Sx of Intussusception
Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Passage of blood per rectum (Currant jelly stools)
Pain is colicky
Sausage shaped mass in RUQ
Dx of Intussusception
Barium Contrast Enema
Xray
CT in adults
Tx of Intussusception
Barium or air insufflation enema
Surgery if refractory
What is Diverticulitis
Inflamed diverticula secondary to obstruction or infection (fecalith)
Leads to distention
Sx of Diverticulitis
Fever, LLQ pain
N/V, Diarrhea, Constipation, Flatulence and Bloating
Dx of Diverticulitis
CT
Increased WBC
Positive Guaiac
Tx of Diverticulitis
Clear liquid diet, broad spectrum abx (Cipro or Bactrim) + Metronidazole
What is Peptic Ulcer Disease
Imbalance of mucosal protective factors and damaging factors lead to ulcers in duodenum or stomach
What are causes of PUD
H.Pylori
NSAIDS
Zollinger Ellison Syndrome