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Emergency Medicine > The Approach to an Altered Mental Status in the ED > Flashcards

The Approach to an Altered Mental Status in the ED Flashcards

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1
Q

the clinical state of emotional and intellectual functioning of an individual

A

mental status

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2
Q

4 types of AMS

A
  1. Confusion - behavior deemed unusual for the individual or deviates from societal norms - Confused pts are often uncooperative or combative
  2. Delirium - acute change in attention and mental functioning
  3. Dementia - slow onset of cognitive dysfunction that is chronic in nature
  4. Various levels of consciousness - alertness, lethargy, obtundation, stupor, coma
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3
Q

If diminished LOC focus on Ddx for ?

A

coma

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4
Q

If (+) neuro deficits focus on Ddx of ?

A

structural defects of the brain

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5
Q

If altered behavior in a patient who is awake, alert w/o neuro deficit, perform what exam?

A

MMS exam to differentiate confusion vs delirium from a psychiatric disorders

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6
Q

initial evaluation/approach to AMS

A
  1. VS, including O2 sat and POC glucose
  2. Assess for shock
  3. If hypoxic, consider ABG
  4. IV access - 2 large bore catheters preferred
  5. Obtain history once stable
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7
Q

which two forms of oxygen can be used for only a few hours?

A
  • 6-10 LPM simple mask
  • 10-15 LPM non-rebreather
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8
Q

coma cocktail?

A
  • Dextrose - only if hypoglycemic (see later slide)
  • Thiamine 100 mg by slow bolus injection
  • Naloxone 0.4-2 mg by bolus injection
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9
Q

abrupt AMS think about what ddx?

A

ischemia, subarachnoid hemorrhage, seizure

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10
Q

rapid AMS think what dx?

A

delirium

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11
Q

gradual AMS think what ddx?

A

space occupying lesion, dementia, psychiatric disorders

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12
Q

fluctuating AMS think what ddx

A

recurring seizures, subdural hematoma, metabolic disorders, delirium

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13
Q

if pt has a history of similar AMS sx, think what dx?

A

seizures, TIA’s, delirium

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14
Q

SHx of Chronic alcohol use/chronic malnutrition think what dx?

A

Wernicke’s encephalopathy

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15
Q

focal neurologic changes think what dx?

A

structural lesion with mass effect or stroke

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16
Q

HA and vomiting associated sx think what dx?

A

intracranial hemorrhage, intracranial infection

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17
Q

palpitations/chest pain/SOB associated sx think what dx?

A

arrhythmia, pneumonia

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18
Q

recent confusion associated sx think what dx?

A

metabolic process, drug, alcohol, poison, delirium

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19
Q

dizziness/lightheaded associated sx think what dx?

A

hypotension, stroke, arrhythmia, hypoxia

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20
Q

Historical Keys to a Medical Cause of AMS

A
  • Pre-existing medical problems (DM, seizure disorder)
  • Absence of a known psychiatric dx
  • Use of psychoactive drugs of abuse
  • Use of Rx drugs w/ psychoactive properties (elderly) - Recent med changes?
  • Late age of onset (>40 years)
  • Presence of sx that are sudden in onset and that fluctuate over hours to days
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21
Q

PE approach for AMS

A
  1. Assess alertness/orientation - auditory stimulation and ability to follow commands
  2. Fundoscopic exam - increased ICP
  3. Neuro assessment
    - GCS
    - Children - simple observation of children
  4. Mental status - Six-Item Screener (3 item recall; year, month, and day of week)
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22
Q

labs for AMS

A
  • CBC - follow up B12, folate if applicable
  • CMP, Mg
  • Thyroid studies
  • Coagulation profile
  • Serum β-hydroxybtyrate (serum ketones); Ammonia
  • Carboxyhemoglobin, ABG
  • Toxicology, Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
  • Urine - UA, hCG (reproductive females)
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23
Q

Possible diagnostic w/u for AMS

A
  • EKG - r/o cardiac causes (MI, arrhythmias)
  • CXR - hypoxic etiologies of AMS
  • Head CT w/o contrast - if focal neurologic signs, papilledema or fever
  • LP with CSF analysis
  • EEG - ?? in ED - consider if no other source of AMS if found or if underlying seizure disorder
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24
Q

Relative CI of LP?

A

cerebral edema, increased ICP

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25
Q

an acute alteration in level of consciousness with change in cognition or perceptual disturbance

A

delirium

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26
Q

presentation of delirium

A
  1. Disturbance in attention and awareness that develops over hours-days
  2. Fluctuation in sx x 24 hr period
  3. Disturbance in cognition (memory, orientation, language, perception, visuospatial)
  4. Sleep-wake cycles disrupted - daytime somnolence and agitation mimicking “sun-downing” at night
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27
Q

a slow decline in cognition involving one or more cognitive domains
learning and memory, language, executive function, complex attention, perceptual-motor, social cognition

A

Dementia

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28
Q

mgmt for delirium

A
  1. tx underlying cause
  2. Acute agitation - haloperidol 5-10 mg PO/IM, lorazepam 0.5-2 mg PO, IM, IV
  3. Admit unless cause is identified, tx initiated, and improvement seen in ED
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29
Q

caution with haldol?

A
  • In elderly patients - lower dosing and inc by 1–2-mg increments q 30 min
  • SE: extrapyramidal sx and QT prolongation
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30
Q

cautions with lorazepam?

A
  • Lower doses for elderly patients
  • SE: respiratory depression
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31
Q

mgmt for dementia

A
  • Use antipsychotics (same as delirium) to control psychosis, agitation or severely disruptive or dangerous behaviors
  • Admit unless has long-standing stable sx, consistent caregivers and reliable f/u
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32
Q

mgmt for narcotic OD

A
  1. After adequate resuscitation with Narcan, observed for 1-1.5 hrs prior to DC
  2. Disposition
    - intentional - managed as suicide attempt
    - accidental - consult psych
  3. AMA?
33
Q

definition of hypoglycemia in children?

A
  • glucose < 45 mg/dL in sx children
  • < 35 in asx
34
Q

mgmt for hypoglycemic children who are Alert and w/o choking risk

A

juice, glucose gel/tablets

35
Q

tx for hypoglycemic neonates?

A

D10W 5 ml/kg IV/IO/PO/NG x 3-5 min

36
Q

tx for hypoglycemic infants and older children?

A

D25W 1-2 ml/kg IV/IO/PO/NG x 3-5 min

37
Q

maintenance tx for hypoglycemic children?

A

D10W 6-8 mg/kg/min

38
Q

if unable to get IV line, what alternative mgmt for hypoglycemia?

A

Glucagon IM

39
Q

disposition of hypoglycemic children?

A

admit all children requiring ED resuscitation

40
Q

Hypoglycemia in Adults
Often related to SE of ?

A

DM meds

41
Q

mgmt for hypoglycemic adult?

A
  1. D50W 50 mL IV x 3-5 min
    - check glucose q 30 min x 2 h
    - Cont. infusion of D10W to keep glu >100
  2. Glucagon 1mg IM if no IV
    - slower response - 7-10 min
  3. Octreotide 50-100 µg SC if refractory 2/2 sulfonylurea
42
Q

how to manage hypoglycemia for adults with insulin pump?

A
  • Dextrose
  • DO NOT remove pump - consult endo to lower pump basal rate
43
Q

disposition for hypoglycemic adults?

A
  • Admit: hypoglycemia related to long acting agents (sulfonylureas, LA insulins, meglitinides) need admitted for serial glucose monitoring
  • If discharge: educate to continue carbohydrate intake and monitor glucose
44
Q

Insulin has 5 main actions:

A
  1. drives glucose into cells
  2. drives K+ into cells
  3. creates an anabolic environment
  4. inhibits breakdown of fat
  5. blocks the breakdown of proteins.
45
Q

what is DKA?

A

A life-threatening complication of DM that occurs as a result of significant insulin deficiency resulting in hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.

46
Q

DKA MC in which type of DM?

A

Type I

47
Q

MCC of DKA?

A

The 6 “I’s” of DKA:

  • infection
  • infarction
  • insult (to the body)
  • infant (pregnancy)
  • indiscretion (lack of care)
  • insulin (absence)
48
Q

3 key features of DKA

A
  1. hyperglycemia - 1st sx
  2. volume depletion
  3. acidosis
49
Q

acidosis sx seen in DKA?

A
  • Tachypnea
  • Kussmaul respirations
  • Fruity breath
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea/Vomiting
50
Q

potentional diagnostics for DKA

A
  • POC glucose
  • CBC
  • CMP + Phos, Mg
  • ABG/VBG
  • UA - glucose, ketones, WBC
  • Serum ketones - Serum 𝛃-hydroxybutyrate
  • EKG - look for MI and signs of ↑ K+
  • if needed: Blood cx, Lipase
51
Q

diagnostic criteria for DKA

A
  1. Blood glucose level >250
  2. Anion gap >10-12
  3. Bicarb < 15
  4. pH < 7.3 w/ moderate ketonuria or ketonemia
52
Q

Risk factors for DKA in patients with initial glucose < 250 mg/dL

A
  1. pts presenting shortly after receiving insulin
  2. T1DM, young, and vomiting
  3. impaired gluconeogenesis - alc abuse, liver failure
  4. low calorie intake/starvation
  5. depression
  6. preg
  7. SGLT2i
53
Q

step 1 of DKA tx?

A

Volume Resuscitation

  1. 2 large bore IVs w/ fluid resuscitation ASAP
    - #1 with 0.9% NS 15-20 ml/kg/h for first hour
    - #2 with 0.45 (½) NS TKO
  2. After initial bolus
    - Na is nml/inc: switch to ½ NS @ 250-500 ml/hr
    - Na is low: keep at 0.9% NS
54
Q

step 2 of DKA tx?

A

Correct Potassium Deficits

  • K+ > 5.2 - insulin
  • K+ 3.3-5.2 - 20-30 mEq of K+ to each L of NS, start insulin
  • K+ < 3.3 - DC insulin, give K+ until > 3.3
55
Q

step 3 of tx for DKA

A

Insulin Therapy

  1. Regular insulin ASAP (based on K+)
  2. 2 dosing options:
    - 0.1 U/kg bolus, then 0.1 U/kg/hr OR
    - 0.14 U/kg/hr w/o bolus
56
Q

step 4 of tx for DKA

A

Recheck glucose every hour - Goal: reduce glu by 75 mg/dL/hr

  1. No dec by 10% after 1 h: 0.14 U/kg bolus, resume nml rate
  2. If glu dec >75mg/dL/h: dec drip 50%
  3. When glu approaches 200:
    - switch fluids to D5½ NS
    - dec insulin to 0.02-0.05 U/kg/hr
  4. Recheck lytes, AG and VBG q 2 h
    - Goal: return all lytes to nml, K+ btwn 3.3-5.2
    - Goal: Reduce AG and improve acid-base balance
  5. Monitor mental status and I&O’s
57
Q

for DKA if pH < 6.9 consider giving what ?

A

NaHCO3 in water with K+
repeat dosing q 2 hr until pH > 7.0

58
Q

disposition of DKA

A

admit all

yer outta here!!

59
Q

A sudden onset of neurologic deficit resulting from a loss of blood flow to a part of the brain resulting in brain infarction

A

Cerebrovascular Accident

60
Q

2 types of CVA

A
  1. Ischemic CVA
  2. Hemorrhagic CVA
    - Intracerebral
    - Subarachnoid
61
Q

presentation of CVA

A
  • acute neurologic deficit: motor, sensory, coordination, mood, AMS
  • Severe HA + N/V with intracranial hemorrhage: Rare hemorrhagic presentations: seizure, syncope
62
Q

Most important 1 Hx piece of info for CVA?

A

ONSET - “Last known normal”

63
Q

scoring for CVA?

A

NIHSS Score

64
Q

diagnostics for CVA

A
  • Non-contrast Head CT
  • Lumbar puncture if concern for hemorrhagic stroke in a normal CT
  • CBC, BMP/CMP, PT/INR, Troponin, EKG
  • Additional labs/testing needed to evaluate your Ddx
65
Q

head CT w/o contrast needs to be completed within what time of arrival for CVA?

A

25 minutes

66
Q

possible findings on head CT for ischemic stroke?

A

“Normal” findings

67
Q

general mgmt for CVA

A
  1. ABCs, NPO, control temp
  2. supine
    - HOB 30° if inc ICP, aspiration risk or chronic CV/Pulm dz
  3. manage sugar
  4. reverse anticoags if needed
68
Q

BP mgmt for CVA - Intracerebral Hemorrhage

A
  1. HoTN - fluids
  2. HTN
    - SBP 150-220 - goal: 140
    - SBP >220 - aggressive reduction with continuous IV infusion; BP monitoring q 5 min
    - SBP goal 140-160
    - 1st line: labetalol, nicardipine, clevidipine
69
Q

BP mgmt for ischemic stroke eligible for tPA

A
  • BP goal of SBP ≤ 185 AND DBP ≤ 110 before tPA can be administered
  • labetalol, nicardipine, clevidipine
70
Q

BP mgmt for ischemic stroke not eligible for tPA

A
  • Do not treat UNLESS SBP >220 or DBP >120 or signs of end organ damage
  • TX same as AIS - labetalol, nicardipine, clevidipine
71
Q

inclusion criteria for tPA?

A
  • Clinical dx of ischemic stroke causing measurable neuro deficit
  • Sx onset w/n 4.5 hrs
  • ≥18 y/o

If eligible informed consent must be obtained

72
Q

BP goal when tPA administered for CVA?

A

< 180/105

73
Q

how often to monitor neuro sx for CVA pt given tPA?

A
  • neuro checks q15m x 3 hours
  • then q30 minutes x 6 hours
74
Q

alt tx if rt-PA is CI or ineffective?

A

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy

75
Q

After rt-PA CVA pt is having persistent potentially disabling neuro deficit

next step?

A

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy

considered ineffective
(NIHSS ≥6)

76
Q

indications for Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy

A

large artery occlusion in anterior circulation (dx by CTA or MRA) with small infarct core and no hemorrhage (dx by MRI)

77
Q

time frame for when Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy
should be performed?

A
  • within 24 hrs of sx onset
  • at a stroke center with surgeons experienced in procedure
78
Q

A transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by cerebral acute ischemia
Most often sx resolve within 1-2 hrs

A

TIA

79
Q

RF for TIA

A
  1. ABCD >=4
  2. subacute stroke on CT
  3. > = 50% ipsilateral stenosis
  4. infarct on MRI
  5. recent TIA within past month
  6. other conditions warranting admission
  7. acute cardiac process, arrhythmia
  8. barriers to rapid outpatient

Emergency Medicine (20 decks)

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