Untitled Deck

Question 1

What is the utility of the LRINEC score?

Answer 1

The LRINEC score distinguishes necrotising fasciitis from other soft tissue infections, e.g. cellulitis. It incorporates CRP, WCC, Hb, sodium, creatinine and glucose. A LRINEC score of ≥6 could be used as a potential tool to rule in necrotising fasciitis, but a score <6 should not be used to rule out the diagnosis. A score ≥8 has a positive predictive value >90%.

Question 2

Is it necessary to check digoxin levels during and after administering digoxin-specific antibody fragments for digoxin toxicity?

Answer 2

No – the assay measures both digoxin bound to antibody fragments and free digoxin. This overestimates free levels.

Question 3

What fibrinogen level may warrant administering cryoprecipitate in a trauma patient?

Answer 3

Fibrinogen < 1.5–2 g/L

Question 4

What is the normal axis for left ventricular depolarisation in an adult?

Answer 4

Normal axis: −30 to +90 degrees

Question 5

What are the Sokolow-Lyon criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)?

Answer 5

LVH: If the height of the R wave in V5/6 + the depth of the S wave in V1/2 is ≥35 mm. The most common cause of LVH is hypertension.