Medical emergencies

Question 1

What medication is used for suspected MI or unstable angina non responsive to GTN?

Answer 1

Aspirin 300mg dispersive tablet

Question 2

What are the properties of aspirin?

Answer 2

Reduces platelet aggregation, slows clotting cascade, anti pyretic, anti inflammatory and has analgesic properties.

Question 3

What medication is used for suspected anaphylaxis?

Answer 3

Adrenaline 1ml ampoules for 0.5ml syringe 1:1000 solution

- intramuscular injection using Z tract techniques and repeat after 5mins

Question 4

What are the 2 main properties of adrenaline?

Answer 4

Powerful vasoconstrictor and bronchodilator

Question 5

What medication is used for a patient suffering from a hypoglycaemic event that is unresponsive/unconscious?

Answer 5

Glucagon 1mg IM injection and then Oral glucose Gel 25mg when consciousness returns

Question 6

What medication is used for suspected angina attack?

Answer 6

2 puffs of 400microgram sublingual GTN spray - repeated after 3mins if chest pain remains

Question 7

How does GTN spray work?

Answer 7

It is a vasodilator for symptomatic relief meaning arteries and veins will dilate allowing more blood to flow making BP and preload reduce.

Question 8

What medication is used for a mild-moderate asthma attack?

Answer 8

4 puffs of 100microgram metered dose salbutamol (short acting beta2agonist) inhaler through large volume spacer and repeat if needed

Question 9

What is the difference in Tx for a patient with a severe asthma attack?

Answer 9

Use spacer device and fill with 10puffs of salbutamol inhaler - use for no more than 20sec to prevent breathing own CO2 and place pt back on oxygen 15l/min - no response after 5mins transfer to hosp

Question 10

What medication is used for a patient suffering from a convulsive seizure lasting 5mins?

Answer 10

Midazolam oromucosal solution 10mg in 1ml (5mg/ml) placed into mouth with syringe.

Question 11

What medication is used for an adrenal crisis?

Answer 11

Administer patients hydrocortisone emergency IM kit 100mg

Question 12

What are the signs of red flag sepsis?

Answer 12

Systolic BP <90mmHg
HR >130bpm 
RR>25min 
Temp >38
Oxygen sats <92%
Non balancing rash/mottled/cyanotic skin 
Not passed or very little urine passing 
Rigours/confusion/exhausted/hot-cold

Question 13

What are the signs of a stroke?

Answer 13

Facial weakness:
- trouble smiling 
- can close eye and wrinkle forehead on both sides
Arm weakness
speech problems

Question 14

Your practice has an oxygen cylinder CD size. How long will this last at 15l/min?

Answer 14

30mins

Question 15

What drug is used to reverse opioid overdose?

Answer 15

Naloxone

Question 16

What drug is used for LA toxicity overdose?

Answer 16

Lipid emulsion therapy 20%

- intralipid