Part 6 Flashcards
What coagulation values should be checked to anticipate the need for blood products?
PT, PTT, INR
Prothrombin Time (PT), Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), and International Normalized Ratio (INR) are key tests for evaluating coagulation status.
What is the purpose of a Sengstaken Blakemore tube?
Provides direct pressure on bleeding
This intervention is often used in cases of variceal hemorrhage.
True or False: A nasogastric tube can be safely inserted in cases of esophageal varices.
False
Inserting a nasogastric tube can cause lethal rupture of varices.
What is a common cause of Mallory Weiss tears?
Chronic forceful vomiting
Conditions like alcoholism and bulimia are often implicated.
What is the gold standard for diagnosing a rupture of the esophagus?
EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
This procedure allows direct visualization of the esophagus.
What are the classic symptoms of Hyperthyroidism/Grave’s Disease?
Weight loss, palpitations, nervousness, heat intolerance
Exophthalmos (bulging eyes) is also a common presentation.
What is the first treatment step in a Thyroid Storm?
Give IV fluids first
Other treatments include beta blockers and steroids.
What characterizes hypothyroidism or myxedema coma?
Fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, puffy eyelids
It primarily occurs in women, especially during winter.
What is the treatment for Myxedema Coma?
IV Levothyroxine (T4) or Triostat (T3)
Levothyroxine is commonly known as Synthroid.
What are the common signs of Cushing’s Syndrome?
Buffalo hump, moon face, purple striae
It can be caused by excessive corticosteroid use or adrenal tumors.
What is Addison’s Disease also known as?
Adrenal Insufficiency / Adrenal Crisis
Patients may present with depression, malaise, and salt craving.
What lab finding indicates liver failure?
INR > 1.5
This indicates decreased albumin and coagulation factor production.
What is the primary treatment for hepatic encephalopathy?
Lactulose
It helps remove ammonia from the body.
What are the symptoms of septic shock?
Hypotension with normal heart rate, refractory to fluids
Patients often need IV fluid therapy and vasopressors.
What is the hallmark sign of pancreatitis?
Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back
Increased lipase levels (usually >3 times normal) confirm diagnosis.
What signs indicate hemorrhagic pancreatitis?
Grey-Turner’s Sign, Cullen’s Sign
These are flank and periumbilical ecchymosis, respectively.
What is the main symptom of hyperkalemia?
Tall, tented, or peaked T-waves on EKG
Symptoms may include abdominal cramps, nausea, and bradycardia.
What is the treatment for hypokalemia?
Oral potassium 60 mEq
If severe, IV potassium can be given but never as a bolus.
What is Chvostek’s Sign?
Cheek muscle spasms when the facial nerve is tapped
It indicates hypocalcemia.
What are the components of Virchow’s Triad?
- Loss of vein integrity
- Stasis
- Hypercoagulable state
These factors contribute to the development of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT).
What is the classic presentation of arterial occlusion?
Claudication, cold limb, 6 P’s
The 6 P’s include Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Poikilothermia, Pulselessness, Paralysis.
What is the treatment for high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)?
Descend, Acetazolamide, Dexamethasone
Nifedipine may also be used for pulmonary vasodilation.
What are the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS)?
Headache, nausea, vomiting, lassitude
Symptoms typically resolve with descent and hydration.
What is Rhabdomyolysis?
Breakdown of muscle fibers releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream
It can be caused by crush injuries, hyperthermia, and excessive exercise.
