Investigations

Question 1

Shortness of breath

Answer 1

• CBC+Diff, electrolytes, BUN, Cr
• ECG
• Trops (cardiac enzymes q 8h x3)
• Blood cultures (sgs of infx)
• CXR PA/L
• BNP (cardiac): HF >400 pg/mL
• Echo: Systolic vs diastolic
• Exercise stress test to assess functional capacity

Question 2

ACS: STEMI, NSTEMI, Angina

Answer 2

• CBC/D, electrolytes, BUN, Cr,
• Lipid profile, AST, ALT, TBili, ALP
• ECG
• CK-MB (rise in 3-6 hours); stay elevated 1-2 days
• Troponins (rise in 3-6 hours); Stay elevated for 1-2 weeks; order q6h x 3
• ABG
• CXR
• Echo once admitted
• Angiogram, Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous intervention (PCI)