PME3 Flashcards
As mental status is usually normal in alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA), what are 2 main causes that should be considered for the symptoms?
hypoglycaemia
acute ethanol intoxication
Can box jellyfish sting cause respiratory and cardiac arrest within minutes?
yes
Do Insulin & sulphonylureatoxicity patients require madatory transport to hospital?
yes
GCS Eyes Score: No Response
1
GCS Eyes Score: Pain
2
GCS Eyes Score: Verbal
3
GCS Motor Score: Extension
2
GCS Motor Score: Flexion
3
GCS Motor Score: Localises to Pain
5
GCS Motor Score: No Response
1
GCS Motor Score: Obeys
6
GCS Motor Score: Withdraws to Pains
4
GCS Verbal Score: Confused
4
GCS Verbal Score: Innapropriate
3
GCS Verbal Score: Moans and Groans
2
GCS Verbal Score: No Response
1
GCS Verbal Score: Orientated
5
GCS Eyes Score: Spontaneous
4
How long does it toake for the oxidation in paracetamol overdose to result in irreversible damage and hepatic dysfunction and death?
2-3 days
Hs & Ts
Reversible Causes
- Hypoxia
- Hypothermia / hyperthermia
- Hypokalaemia / hyperkalaemia (or other electrolyte derangements)
- H+ (acidosis)
- Toxicity
- Tension pneumothorax
- Tamponade
- Thrombus (coronary / pulmonary)
Is supportive care including ventilation usually sufficient in opioid overdoses?
yes
List the common Serotonin (5HT) reuptake inhibitors.
fluoxetine (prozac)
sertraline
citalopram
List the common Serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
venlafaxine (effexor)
desvenlafaxine
duloxetine
List the common Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
amitryptyline
imipramine (endep)
nortryptyline
Other than depression, what conditions are tricyclic antidepressants diagnosed for?
insomnia
nocturnal enuresis
neuralgia
migraines
OCD
QAS Procedure - Paramedic Unwitnessed Cardiac Arrest
Shockable rhythm?
- commence CPR immediatey
- Pads on ASAP (even as a single officer)
- Deliver single shock (with relevant joule setting)
- Continue CPR and reassess/readminister shock every 2 min if indicated (6 cycles of 30:2)
QAS Procedure - Paramedic Unwitnessed Cardiac Arrest Refractory VF/VT
- DRC: Nil pulse, commence CPR
- Expose chest & apply pads in correct positions
- Analyse in AED mode: shockable rhythm
- Safety checks in full for first shock
- Shock (1)
- Commence 2 mins CPR & give sitrep
- A: If airway clear consider early insertion of i-Gel
- B: Attach EtCO2 to BVM
- No i-Gel: commence 30:2
- i-Gel in situ: ventilate at rate of 10/min with continuous compressions
- Attach Corepatch (if using Corpuls3)
- Plan for timely defibrillation: Charge at 1:45
- Shock (2)
- Plan your positioning & rotation of CPR operators
- Position shoulder-to-shoulder and swap without interruption
- Are bystanders / QPS / QFRS available for CPR?
- IV access
- Plan for timely defibrillation: Charge at 1:45
- Shock (3)
- Amiodarone 300mg IV slow push
- Two ampoules of 3mL each = 6mL in 10mL syringe
- Flush with 10-20mLs saline (use a small bag)
- Plan your positioning & execute rotation of CPR operators
- Plan for timely defibrillation: Charge at 1:45
- Shock (4)
- Plan your positioning & rotation of CPR operators
- Position shoulder-to-shoulder and swap without interruption
- Are bystanders / QPS / QFRS available for CPR?
- Plan for timely defibrillation: Charge at 1:45
- Shock (5)
- Amiodarone 150mg IV slow push (last dose of amiodarone)
- One ampoule = 3mL
- Flush with 10-20mLs saline (use a small bag)
- Plan your positioning & execute rotation of CPR operators
- Plan for timely defibrillation: Charge at 1:45
- ** Shock (6)**
- Start adrenaline: 1mg IV & 10-20mL flush (1)
- Replace pads, applying new pads anterior-posterior
- And so on…*
QAS Procedure - Paramedic Witnessed Cardiac Arrest
- Deliver 3x stacked DCCS unless delay of 20s
- If shocks are delayed by more than 20s, commence CPR and give a single shock as soon as possible
- Quickly check rhythm before each shock
- After three stacked shocks:
- 2min CPR cycle
- Single shocks thereafter
- If still in a shockable rhythm, give amiodarone
- If Pt has >2mins ROSC can give another set of three stacked shocks for return to shockable rhythm.
Signs and symptoms in mixed cholinergic toxidromes
Miosis (pinpoint pupils) or mydriasis (dilated pupils)
Lacrimation
Salivation
Increased bronchial secretions
Bronchospasm
Brady-or tachycardia
Hypo-or hypertension
Vomiting
Urinary incontinence
Diarrhoea
Muscle weakness/paralysis
Fasciculations (muscle twitching)
Sweating
Signs and symptoms in serotonin syndrome toxidromes
Altered mental state
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Hyperreflexia (over responsive reflexes)
Lower limb rigidity
Clonus (rhythmic muscle contractions)/myoclonus (sudden brief muscle contractions)
Hyperthermia
Sweating
Signs and symptoms in anticholinergic toxidromes
Agitated delirium
Dilated pupils
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Ileus (intolerance of oral intake)
Tachycardia
Hyperthermia
Urinary retention
Dry flushed skin
Signs and symptoms in opiate toxidromes
Decreased conscious state
Miosis (pinpoint pupils)
Bradypnoea/apnoea
Ventilatory failure
What are the risk factors of taking digoxin?
- Renal function decline:
Decreased excretion results in increased bioavailability - Hypokalaemia:
Low K+ increases toxicity as K+ competes with digoxin forbinding sites at Na-K pump - Hypercalcaemia:
Risk of bradycardia, AV blocks, ventricular ectopy - Hypomagnesaemia:
General increase in toxicity - Drug interactions:
Digoxin has a wide range of drug interactions
What are 2 herbicides that cause poisoning in Australia?
paraquat
glyphosate
What are antipsychotics prescribed for?
schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
What are common causes of mixed cholinergic toxidromes?
Carbamates
Chemical warfare agents
Organophosphates
What are common causes of opiate toxidromes?
Heroin
Morphine (All opiates)
What are common causes of serotonin syndrome toxidromes?
Amphetamines
Fentanyl
Lithium
MAO inhibitors
SSRIs
SNRIs
St. John’s wort
Tramadol
Tricyclic antidepressants
What are common causes of Sympathomimetic (mixed α-and β-adrenergic) toxidromes?
Amphetamines
Cocaine
What are common causes of Sympathomimetic (β-adrenergic) toxidromes?
Caffeine
Salbutamol
Theophylline
What are common causes of anticholinergic toxidromes?
Antipsychotics
Antihistamines
Atropine
Benztropine
Carbamazepine
Plant poisonings
Tricyclic antidepressants
What are some of the challenges of cardiovascular toxidromes?
- Pt may become toxic without overdosing
- Non-compliant, agitated patient (regardless of intentional or not)
- Complex, compound, and often bizarre dysrhythmias
- Many toxidromes can produce multiple blocks
- High likelihood of refractory presentations:
- Pulseless VT or VF resistant to defibrillation
- Bradycardia resistant to atropine
- Electrolytic and metabolic disturbances
- Hypo-or hyper-glycaemia
- Hypo-or hyper-kalaemia, -calcaemia
- Generalised weakness, including of respiratory muscles
- Nausea and vomiting
What are some potential sources of cyanide exposure?
Insecticides
Photographic solutions
Metal polishing materials
Jewellery cleaners
Acetonitrile
Electroplating materials
Synthetic products such as rayon, nylon, polyurethane foam, insulation, and adhesive resins
Seeds and fruit pits of Prunus species (e.g. apple seeds and cherry and apricot pits)
Smoke inhalation in closed-space fires
What are the pharmacodynamics of digoxin?
Inhibits function of the Na/K pump to increase intracellular sodium & restrict calcium loss
What are teh two naturally occurring seafood toxins?
- Ciguatera fish poisoning: occurs due to ingestion of fish carrying ciguatera toxin.
- Pufferfish (tetrodotoxin): consumption of poisonous fish
What are the 3 main metabolic pathways within the liver?
Glucuronidation
Sulphonation
Oxidation
What are the 4 extrapyramidal syndromes in antipsychotic toxidromes?
acute dystonia
akasthesia
parkinsonism
tardive dyskinesia
What are the cardiovascular ECG manifestations in poisoning?
- Bradycardia
- Tachycardia
- PVCs
- QRS prolongation
- QT prolongation
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms in snake envenomation?
- Tachycardia
- hypotension/hypertension
- BP lability
- haemodynamic instability
- Watch for hyperkalaemia
- cardiac arrest most likely with brown snake bites
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of CO toxicity?
Tachycardia
hypotension
haemodynamic instability
Myocardial hypoxia
ischaemia
infarction
cardiac dysrhythmias
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of inhaled hydrofluoric acid toxidrome?
QT prolongation
peaked T waves,
Look for hypocalcaemia & hyperkalaemia;
expect TdP, VT
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of topical hydrofluoric acid toxidrome?
QT prolongation
peaked T waves,
Look for hypocalcaemia & hyperkalaemia;
expect TdP, VT
What are the classes of anticonvulsants?
- Voltage-gated Na+ channel blockade (excitation ↓)
- Enhance GABA inhibition (inhibition ↑)
- Calcium channel blockade (excitation ↓)
- Inhibiting glutamate release & NMDA interaction (excitation ↓)
What are the clinical features of an opioid toxidrome?
CNS depression
Miosis
loss of airway reflexes
Respiratory depression
apnoea
Bradycardia
tachycardia (response to hypoxia and hypercarbia)
Nausea/vomiting
Hypothermia
skin necrosis
compartment syndrome
rhabdomyolysis
What are the clinical features of anticholinesterase pesticides?
ALOC
seizures
miosis/mydriasis
lacrimation
salivation
bronchorrhoea
bronchoconstriction
respiratory failure
bradycardia/tachycardia
hypotension/hypertension
Cardiacarrhythmias
emesis
diarrhoea
urinary frequency
fasciculations and muscle weakness
possibly paralysis
What are the clinical features of energy drink overdose?
insomnia
agitation
palpitations
tremor
What are the clinical features of progressive cyanide toxicity?
coma
confusion
drowsiness
respiratory depression
hypotension
bradycardia
tetany
What are the clinical features of severe ethanol withdrawal?
insomnia
anxiety
tachycardia
hypertension
tremor
hyperreflexia
irritability
fever
seizures
visual hallucinations
delirium
What are the clues that increase the likelihood of ABD being from an organic aetiology?
over 40 yrs with first presentation of psychosis or altered mental state
disorientation/ALOC
altered vital signs
visual, tactile or olfactory hallucinations
sudden onset
fluctuating conscious state
What are the CO toxicodynamics?
Displacement of oxygen reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, causing hypoxaemia & hypoxia
Binding to mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase enzymes restricts their function in aerobic metabolism
Hypoxia & metabolic changes causes release of toxic species, triggering inflammation cascade
Compound effects cellular & neuronal damage, myelin damage, & significant acidosis
Also causes reoxygenation injuries (incl. apoptosis)
What are the coagulopathy signs and symptoms in snake envenomation?
oozing from bite/IV sites/gums
haematemesis
haematuria
bruising
intravascular haemolysis
risk of intracranial haemorrhage
What are the differential diagnosis of acute ethanol intoxication?
Encephalopathy (Wernicke or Hepatic)
Head injury
Intracranial infarction or haemorrhage
Post-ictal state
Psychosis
Hypoxia
Hypocarbia (low levels CO2)
Hypo/hyperthermia
Hypoglycaemia
Hyponatraemia (low sodium in blood)
Overdose or other toxin
Sepsis
What are the clinical features of early cyanide toxicity?
loss of consciousness within seconds to minutes.
agitation
collapse
seizures
headache
dyspnoea
tachypnoea
hypertension
tachycardia
nausea/vomiting
What are the extreme presentations in Wernicke encephalopathy?
hyperthermia
hypertonia
spastic paresis
dyskinesias
coma
What are the features of a funnel-web spider bite?
bite is painful
fang marks usually obvious
spider may remain attached to Pt until shaken off or removed
What are the features of a redback spider bite site?
majority of Pts feel bite, but only as pinprick - some may not feel it
local sweating at the site
sometimes local erythema or blanching or piloerection
What are the four categories that acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) can be classified into?
psychiatric disorders
(schizophrenia, bipolar, PTSD, psychosis)
substance related
(psychostimulants, cocaine, ketamine, LSD, cannabis, alcohol)
organic disorders
(hypoglycaemia, sepsis, hyoxia, head injury, dementia)
situational
(grief, overwhelming stress)
What are the four types of snake venom actions?
- Coagulopathic
- Neurotoxic: paralysis
- Nephrotoxic: acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Myotoxic: rhabdomyolysis (will cause secondary AKI)
What are the less common presentations in Wernicke encephalopathy?
stupor
hypothermia
cardiovascular instability
seizures
visual disturbances
hallucinations
alterations in behaviour
What are the limitations for the prone position when restraining patients?
not in prone position for longer than 2 minutes as it may impede breathing and result in positional asphyxia
What are the metabolic manifestations in poisoning?
Hypo/Hyperthermia
Hypo/Hyperkalaemia
Hyponatraemia
Hypoglycaemia
H+ ion (acidosis)
Toxicity
Thrombus
What are the neurological signs and symptoms in snake envenomation?
Neurotoxic paralysis
headache
ptosis
double vision
fixed dilated pupils
drooling
slurring
respiratory paralysis
weakness
lost deep tendon & spinal reflexes
What are the neurological signs and symptoms of CO toxicity?
ALOC
seizures
coma
headache
dizziness
concentration difficulties
disorientation
cortical blindness
ataxia
weakness
What are the parameters for the immediate life threat risk category of poisoning?
↓ GCS
Airway loss
↓ Resp
Shock
vomiting
aspiration
What are the parameters for the low risk category of poisoning?
Dose does notmeet toxic threshold
Drug has low toxicity
What are the parameters for the potential complication risk category of poisoning?
Dysrhythmias
Seizures
What are the parameters for the potential organ damage risk category of poisoning?
kidneys
liver
What are the parameters for the uncertain risk category of poisoning?
Dose uncertain
Drug uncertain
What are the respiratory signs and symptoms of CO toxicity?
Dyspnoea
tachypnoea
pulmonary oedema
resp. depression (late)
What are the serotonin syndrome altered mental status symptoms?
coma
seizures (pre-terminal)
headache
anxiety
hallucinations
disorientation
excitation
agitation
What are the serotonin syndrome autonomic hyperactivity symptoms?
mydriasis
dry mucous membranes
tachypnoea
tachycardia
dysrhythmias
hypertension
hyperthermia
hot flushed skin
diaphoresis
vomiting
diarrhoea
What are the serotonin syndrome neuromuscular symptoms?
ocular clonus (ping pong gaze)
tremors
inducible clonus
spontaneous clonus
muscle rigidity (esp. lower limbs),
hyperreflexia
bilateral Babinski signs
akisthesia (inability to remain still)
What are the signs and symptoms of acute dystonia?
facial grimacing
involuntary upward eye movement
muscle spasms of tongue, face, neck and back
laryngeal spasms
What are the signs and symptoms of akathisia?
restless
trouble standing still
pacing
feet in constant motion rocking back and forth
What are the signs and symptoms of aloholic ketoacidosis (AKA)?
tachypnoea
tachycardia
hypotension
diffuse epigastric tenderness on palpation
What are the whole of body signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
nausea/vomiting
abdominal pain
haematemesis
renal failure
haematuria
malaena
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
coagulopathy
hypotension
Tachycardia
thrombocytopenic purpura (rare)
What are the neurological signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
CNS depression
coma
risk of haemorrhagic stroke
What are the metabolic signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
electrolytic derangements
What are the neurological signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
CNS depression
coma
risk of haemorrhagic stroke
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
coagulopathy
hypotension
Tachycardia
thrombocytopenic purpura (rare)
What are the metabolic signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
electrolytic derangements
What are the whole of body signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
nausea/vomiting
abdominal pain
haematemesis
renal failure
haematuria
malaena
What are the signs and symptoms of and NSAID toxidrome?
CNS depression
coma
Tachycardia
hypotension
coagulopathy
thrombocytopenic purpura (rare)
electrolytic derangements
Nausea, vomiting
abdominal pain
haematemesis
haematuria
malaena
Renal failure
What ECG changes does the K+ blockade of sotalolol cause?
prolongs QT, risking R-on-T & Torsades des Points
What ECG changes does the Na+ blockade of propranolol cause?
prolongs PR-interval & QRS duration
What ECG changes does the Na+ blockade of propranolol cause?
prolongs PR-interval & QRS duration
What ECG changes does the K+ blockade of sotalolol cause?
prolongs QT, risking R-on-T & Torsades des Points
What are the neurological signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
agitation
ALOC
fatigue
headache (key early sign)
visual disturbances
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
Variety of dysrhythmias & heart blocks
High risk of PVCs, VT, VF
What are the respiratory signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
Largely dependent upon CNS status
What are the neurological signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
agitation
ALOC
fatigue
headache (key early sign)
visual disturbances
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
dysrhythmias
heart blocks
PVCs
VF
VT
What are the signs and symptoms of funnel-web spider bite?
- Lacrimation
- Paraesthesia in lips; may see fasciculations of tongue
- Salivation
- Pulmonary oedema
- Cyanosis
- Hypertension, +/- tachycardia,
- Tachypnoea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sweating
- Malaise
What are the whole of body signs and symptoms of metformin toxidrome?
nausea, vomiting
abdominal pain
renal failure
decreased urine output
hypothermia
What are the cardiovascular signs and symptoms of metformin toxidrome?
↓ cardiac output
↓ vascular resistance
dysrhythmias
hypotension → shock & death
tachycardia
What are the respiratory signs and symptoms of metformin toxidrome?
dyspnoea
hyperpnoea
tachypnoea
What are the signs and symptoms of metformin toxidrome?
fatigue
irritability
ALOC
seizures
coma
dyspnoea
tachypnoea
hyperpnoea
↓ cardiac output
↓ vascular resistance
dysrhythmias
tachycardia
hypotension → shock & death
nausea, vomiting
abdominal pain
hypothermia
decreased urine output
renal failure
What are the neurological signs and symptoms of metformin toxidrome?
ALOC
coma
fatigue
irritability
seizures
What are the whole of body signs and symptoms of metformin toxidrome?
nausea, vomiting
abdominal pain
renal failure
decreased urine output
hypothermia
What are the signs and symptoms of methanol toxicity?
coma
seizures
tachypnoea
metabolic acidosis
progressive obtundation (lethargy)
What are the signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
agitation
mydriasis
labile blood pressure
tachycardia
increased bowel sounds +/- diarrhoea
clonus
tremor
hyperreflexia
What are the signs and symptoms of opioid toxicity?
miosis
airway obstruction and respiratory depression, especially in children
What are the signs and symptoms of pseudoparkinsonism?
stooped posture
shuffling gait
rigidity
bradykinesia
tremors
pill-rolling motion of hand
What are the signs and symptoms of redback spider bite?
- Gradual onset of severe pain which transits proximally
- Hypertension, +/- tachycardia, sweating, malaise
- Severe abdominal and/or chest pain
What are the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia?
protrusion and rolling of the tongue
sucking and smacking movements of the lips
chewing motion
facial dyskinesia
involuntary movements of the body and extremities
What are the signs and symptoms usually seen in the >3 hours after a snake bite?
Respiratory & limb weakness progressing to flaccid paralysis
Rhabdomyolysis & hyperkalaemia
myoglobinuria
AKI
Risk of catastrophic haemorrhage, circulatory failure & arrest
What are the signs and symptoms usually seen in the first 1-3 hours after a snake bite?
Cranial nerve paralysis of facial muscles & pupils
Coagulopathy
haemoglobinuria
muscle damage
limb weakness
What are the signs and symptoms usually seen in the firt 60 minutes after a snake bite?
- Headache
- irritability
- confusion
- photophobia
- blurred vision
- tachycardia
- BP lability
- Nausea/vomiting
- diarrhoea
- sweating, ,
What are the three hypoglycaemic agent?
insulin (eg novomix)
sulphonylureas (eg glibenclamide, gliclazide, glimepiride)
biguanides (eg metform, diabex, diaformin)
What are the top three drugs that cause death in overdose?
opioids
benzodiazepines
psychostimulants
What are the ventilation rates?
20 per minute = 1/3
18 per minute = 1/3
16 per minute = 1/4
14 per minute = 1/4
12 per minute = 1/5
What are the whole of body manifestations in poisoning?
- Hypo/hypertension
- Hypovolaemia
- Shock
- Chest pain (pshychostimulants)
- Ischaemia
- Infarction
What are the whole of body signs and symptoms of CO toxicity?
Lactic acidosis
rhabomyolysis
disseminated intravascular coagulation
Renal failure
coexistence of hypo-or hyper-glycaemia worsens prognosis
What are the whole of body signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
Appetite loss & anorexia
nausea
vomiting
What body areas should be avoided when applying physical restraint?
face, neck and chest
What can supine positioning contribut to in restrained patients?
the risk of aspiration
What causes alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA)?
starvation
What causes hyperkalaemia?
- any toxidrome causing muscle damage from hyperthermia, hypertonicity or hypoxia
- direct trauma
What channel does methadone inhibit?
some K channels
What commercial process uses cyanide?
metal extraction (especially gold) andrecovery, metal hardening and in the production of agricultural and horticultural pest control
What condition presents with overdose of insulin?
hypoglycaemia
What condition presents with overdose of slphonylureas?
hypoglycaemia
What conditions is theophylline and caffeine (under a variety of brand names) usually prescribed for?
COPD
asthma
similar conditions
What do antiarrhythmic drugs do?
restrict ionic movement into or out of heart cells modulating the action potential
What do Cardiac glycosides target?
heart failure
What do Class II and beta blockers target?
dysrhythmias
hypertension
What do Class III and K+ blockers target?
Dysrhythmias
What do Class IV and Ca++ blockers target?
Dysrhythmias
Hypertension
What do Dermatonecrotic toxins target?
Skin damage/necrosis from toxin, particularly box jelly fish
What do haemolytic toxins target?
Rupture of erythrocytes, haemaglobinis released into the blood stream