OSCE Flashcards
What is a normal INR?
1
What is the INR target range for people taking warfarin?
2-3 (aim for 2.5)
How does warfarin work?
Anticoagulant that decreases the bodies ability to form clots. It blocks the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase, so clotting factors 2, 7, 9 and 10 have a decreased ability to clot.
What does a high INR show?
Blood takes longer to clot
Give symptoms associated with a high INR
Headache, severe stomach ache, increased bruising, prolonged bleeding after minor cuts, prolonged menstrual bleeding, bleeding from gums, haematemesis, haematuria, bloody or dark stool
What is the most common cause of elevated INR
Too much anticoagulant medication
Which medications increase INR
Aspirin, NSAIDs, herbal medication like St. Johns, some abx, rifampicin, prednisolone
Give two organic causes of elevated INR
Liver failure, bleeding disorders e.g. haemophilia and factor VII deficiency
Give three lifestyle factors you would advise a warfarin pt to practice
Stable vitK levels, avoid binge drinking (can increase INR), quit smoking
How do we treat elevated INR?
VitK, blood components to help stop bleeding, if no clear explanation reduce dose and repeat INR in 4-7 days
How can I prevent an elevated INR?
Have your INR measured regularly (once a month)
Take your medication as directed (refer to warfarin usage section)
Eat the same amount of Vitamin k daily
Limit alcohol
Do not smoke
How can I decrease bleeding risk?
Avoid activities that may cause bleeding or bruising
Brush and shave gently
Tell your dentist and other healthcare professionals if you take anticoagulant medicine (e.g. medical alert jewellery)
Why may INR be out of the target range?
any recent illness, fever, N/V/D, significant pain or stress?
Side effects of warfarin? (all of the bleeding ones)
Any diarrhea or vomiting?
Dose (DHx)- confirm current Warfarin dose, any missed doses? Taking it at the same time everyday? Double dosing?
Drugs (DHx)- any new medicines, discontinued medicines since last INR check? NSAIDS, aspirin, antibiotics, amiodarone, steroids
Diet (SHx)- any major changes (fasting, weight watchers), liver or 7 consumption? Diet rich in vitamin K or lacking vitamin K I .e. sudden change in intake of vitamin k rich foods? cranberry juice?
What is HbA1c?
Glycated haemoglobin, gives the average blood glucose level over the previous 2-3 months
Normal HbA1c in %?
Normal <6%, pre 6.4%, high 6.5%
What are the benefits of lowering HbA1c?
Reduces the risk of Retinopathy Neuropathy Diabetic nephropathy Less likely to suffer from: Cataracts Heart failure Amputation
How do we manage T2DM?
Dietary modifications, physical activity, insulin/metformin/sulfonylureas
In which conditions may HbA1c be falsely raised?
Kidney failure, chronic excessive alcohol intake, VB12 deficiency
In which conditions may HbA1c be falsely decreased?
Blood loss, sickle cell, thalassemia
Which medications may increase HbA1c levels?
Corticosteroids
What advice do you give to a T2DM pt?
Be carefulwhat you eat– be particularly aware of how snacking and eatingsugary foodsor carbohydrates can affect your blood sugar level.
Stick to yourtreatment plan– remember to take your insulinor otherdiabetes medications as recommended by your care team.
Be as active as possible–getting regular exercise can help stop your blood sugar level rising, but you should check with your doctor first if you’re taking diabetes medication, as some medicines can lead to hypoglycaemia if you exercise too much
Take extra care when you’re ill–your care team can provide you with some “sick day rules” thatoutline what you can do to keep your blood sugar level under control during an illness.
Monitor your blood sugar level– your care team may suggest using a device to check your level at home, so you can spot an increase early and take steps tostop it.
What is a good BM overall?
4-7, less than 8.5 2 hours after meals
Give an alternative to salbutamol.
Terbutaline, another SABA used for relief of bronchospasm
Give two good peak flow habits.
Take your peak flow before using the preventer inhaler, and always use the same peak flow meter
Give red flags for asthma/COPD
Wheeze is getting worse, affecting daily activity, waking up at night with symptoms, using reliever inhaler more than usual
What do you see in obstructive lung disease?
Takes a long time to exhale (wheeze), so not much breathed out at 1 second but volumes not too bad
FEV1 lower than FVC
FEV1/FVC < 0.7
FEV1 < 80% predicted