Case Eight - Case Two Flashcards

1
Q

what is the shock index

A

heart rate / blood pressure

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2
Q

what is a normal shock index and suggests that a patient is haemodynamically stable

A

a shock index of 0.5/0.7 is normal

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3
Q

if a patient is in shock, what treatment do they need asap?

A

500ml sodium chloride 0.9% IV over 10 mins

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4
Q

what is the pneumonic to remember the different categories of shock

A

‘how fast you fill the pump and squeeze’

fast - heart rate
fill - blood volume
pump - heart
squeeze - blood pressure

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5
Q

what are the fast (heart rate) problems

A

extreme tachycardia of any cause (e/g.ventricular tachycardia) or bradycardia

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6
Q

what are the fill (blood volume) causes

A

haemorrhage or dehydration (from inadequate intake or vomiting / diarrhoea) will both cause a reduced blood volume

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7
Q

what are the pump (heart) problems

A

a primary cardiac problem such as an acute MI, aortic dissection, papillary muscle rupture) or something preventing the heart’s ability to pump blood out of the thorax (pneumothorax or PE or CT)

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8
Q

what are the squeeze (BP) problems

A

sepsis and anaphylaxis both involve capillary dysfunction which causes fluid from the blood vessels to leak out into the tissues

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9
Q

what does the term shock describe

A

used to describe the state that results when circulatory insufficiency leads to inadequate tissue perfusion and thus inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues. this shortage of oxygen means that aerobic metabolism cannot occur, resulting in organ dysfunction

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10
Q

what are some of the broad categories of types of shock

A

hypovolaemic
distributive
obstructive
cariogenic
neurogenic

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11
Q

what suggests hypovolaemic shock

A

suggested by signs of shock plus history or examination evidence of bleeding or fluid loss, cool peripheries, a good response to fluid or blood resuscitation

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12
Q

what suggests distributive shock

A

may be suggested by signs of shock plus peripheral vasodilation i.e warm, dilated peripheries

there may be clues in the history like a recent infection that has been getting worse (sepsis) or a known exposure to an allergen (anaphylaxis)

the patient may be febrile. it may respond to fluid resuscitation, but as this is not the underlying cause, your patient may remain hypotensive

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13
Q

what is obstructive shock suggested by

A

signs of shock plus signs go a problem inside the thorax that is impeding cardiac output

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14
Q

what are the three risk factors for obstructive shock

A

tension pneumothorax

cardiac tamponade

massive pulmonary embolism

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15
Q

what is cariogenic shock suggested by

A

the history; the patient will usually have presented with adverse cardiac features like chest pain, syncope, or signs of heart failure; their peripheries may be cold; their ECG may give clues

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16
Q

what is neurogenic shock

A

a specific syndrome that happens in trauma. it is different to spinal shock

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17
Q

when does neurogenic shock happen

A

happens in high (cervical or high thoracic) spinal cord injuries where the patient loses their sympathetic outflow hence their normal sympathetic responses to blood loss

instead of tachycardic, they will be bradycardia

instead of hypotension and peripherally vasoconstrictor/cold, they will be hypotensive but peripherally dilated/warm

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18
Q

what is the most common cause of shock in trauma

A

haemorrhage

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19
Q

what is the most common type of shock overall

A

sepsis

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20
Q

what is the initial treatment for severe sepsis and hypovolaemia

A

IV fluid.

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21
Q

what is there management for an Acute Upper GI bleed

A

recommend a risk assessment using the Glasgow Blatchford Score to determine who is likely to benefit from early endoscopy

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22
Q

what haemoglobin should you aim for

A

70-100g/L

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23
Q

what is rnhabdomylosis

A

a syndrome whereby there is breakdown and necrosis of damaged skeletal muscle, releasing its contents into the circulation

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24
Q

what are the contents of this damaged skeletal muscle

A

electrolytes, myoglobin, sarcoplasmic proteins such as creatinine kinase

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25
Q

what can rhabdomyolysis cause

A

multiple complications, including AKI as the myoglobin deposits in and obstructs the renal tubules

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26
Q

what is anaphylaxis

A

a type I hypersensitivity reaction, which causes comprise to the airway, breathing and circulation, with or without skin or mucosal changes

it is a medical emergency which requires immediate recognition and treatment

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27
Q

A 25 year old woman has been unwell with vomiting and diarrhoea for six days. For the last 24 hours she has been vomiting even sips of fluid. Her temperature is 36.7, RR 20, sats 98% RA, HR 125, BP 85/54. Her lips and tongue appear dry and her hands and feet are cold. Her central cap refill time is 3 seconds. She is drowsy.
What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

A

The patient is dangerously dehydrated and showing signs of hypovolaemic shock; NICE guidance on IV fluids tells us that, for resuscitation, we should prescribe 250-500mL of a crystalloid IV STAT/ over less than 15 minutes

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28
Q

A 60 year old man was at a restaurant when he collapsed. His colleagues were very concerned about him because after eating his starter he started drooling and his tongue appeared to swell out of his mouth then he went very pale. His temperature is 37.0, RR 28, sats 95% RA, HR 140, BP 70/40. He is scratching his arms and trunk, but the rash that appears when he scratches doesn’t last long and seems to move.
What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

A

IM adrenaline 0.5mL 1:1000

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29
Q

why?

A

the patient is shocked and the features of tongue swelling causing airway compromise and pallor suggesting severe illness/hypotension, as well as features of an urticarial rash and a possible food exposure in a restaurant, suggests that his shock is due to anaphylaxis

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30
Q

what is the treatment of anaphylaxis

A

IM adenaline 500mcg or 0.5mL of 1:1000

we use 1:1000IM because it is more concentrated, thus a smaller amount can be injected into the muscle.

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31
Q

You are reviewing the bloods that were ordered during the morning ward round. A patient’s U&Es are as follows:
Na 134
K 6.7
Urea 30
Creatinine 400
eGFR 15.
What are the most appropriate initial actions?

A

ECG and prescribe IV calcium gluconate

32
Q

why?

A

a potassium of 6.7 is dangerously high and so e should immediately review the patient, undertake an ECG, and protect the cardiac membrane with IV calcium.

this will usually be 10mls of 10% calcium gluconate IV over 10 minutes which is equivalent to 2.2mmol of calcium and can be repeated if the ECG has not improved.

After these initial life-saving actions have been undertaken, it would be appropriate to prescribe IV insulin-dextrose (usually 5-10 units of fast acting insulin in 50mLs of 50% glucose over 5-10 minutes) and nebulised salbutamol to drive potassium out of the serum and into the cells.

33
Q

You are bleeped to review a patient on the wards who the nurses say is ‘triggering for sepsis.’ You review them, prescribe antibiotics, and take a venous blood gas.
pH 7.28 pCO2 5.5 pO2 12.0 Na 136 K 4.5 Cl 90 HCO3- 20 BE -4 lactate 4
Which is the most accurate interpretation of these results?

A

raised anion gap metabolic acidosis due to elevated lactate
Correct answer.
The pH of 7.28 shows an acidosis. However, blood gases may show several synchronous processes so don’t forget to work out the anion gap to confirm or refute the presence of raised anion gap metabolic acidosis. In this case, the acidotic pH is likely due to the addition of unmeasured anions or lactate. This is commonly due to hypoperfusion such as caused by sepsis or other causes of shock, but it can also be due to medications such as metformin or salbutamol

34
Q

You are reviewing a 72 year old male patient in A&E. They have been referred by the Emergency Medicine ST5 as ‘chest sepsis’ and ‘fast AF.’ You go to see the patient to clerk them. When you undertake your review of systems, the patient tells you that they have not passed urine all day and you notice that their creatinine is 180 (eGFR 62), whereas at a routine blood test 3 weeks ago it was 100 (eGFR >90). Blood pressure is 120/65. Weight 80kg.
Which medication would be most appropriate to suspend?

A

Ramipril 5mg
Correct answer.
Ramipril (an ACE-inhibitor) has many long-term benefits for patients with certain chronic diseases. However, many patients with acute illness have hypotension, AKI, and hyperkalaemia. Ramipril has antihypertensive effects and it also reduces renal hyperfiltration which can reduce eGFR and increase potassium, all things we want to avoid in the acutely unwell patient. Hence, NICE advises us to temporarily suspend it in the setting of acute hypotension and AKI. Remember that many drugs are renally excreted. The patient’s apixaban and metformin prescriptions will need to be reviewed if the eGFR continues to drop.

35
Q

what is the most immediately dangerous breakdown product in rhabdomyolysis

A

potassium

Hyperkalaemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest

36
Q

what can this breakdown products in rhabdomyolysis cause

A

AKI

myoglobin in particular, is toxic in high concentrations. impaired renal function results in further accumulation of these substances in the blood

37
Q

what are other complications of rhabdomyolysis

A

compartment syndrome and DIC

38
Q

what can cause rhabdomyolysis

A

Prolonged immobility, particularly frail patients who fall and spend time on the floor before being found

Extremely rigorous exercise beyond the person’s fitness level (e.g., endurance events or CrossFit)

Crush injuries

Seizures

Statins

39
Q

what are the signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis

A

Muscle pain
Muscle weakness
Muscle swelling
Reduced urine output (oliguria)
Red-brown urine (myoglobinuria)
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion (particularly in frail patients)

40
Q

what is the crucial diagnostic blood test for rhabdomyolysis

A

creatine kinase

It is normally less than around 150 U/L. In rhabdomyolysis, it can be 1,000-100,000 U/L.

41
Q

when does creatine kinase raise

A

typically rises in the first 12 hours, then remains elevated for 1-3days, then gradually falls.

the higher the CK, the greater the risk of kidney injury

42
Q

what does myoglobinuria refer to

A

myoglobin in the urine

it gives urine a red-brown colour. a urine dipstick will be positive for blood

43
Q

what investigations are required for AKI and Hyperkalaemia

A

urea and electrolytes

44
Q

what are used to assess and monitor the heart’s response to Hyperkalaemia

A

ECGs

45
Q

what is the management to correct hypovolaemia and encourage filtration of the breakdown products

A

intravenous fluids are the mainstay of treatment

46
Q

what are the additional management options that are debatable and have associated risks

A

IV sodium bicarbonate (to increase urinary pH and reduce the toxic effects of myoglobinuria)

IV mannitol (to increase urine output and reduce oedema)

47
Q

what is HOCM

A

hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is a condition where the left ventricle becomes hypertrophic.

48
Q

where does this tend to affect

A

tends to asymmetrically affect the septum of the heart, blocking the flow of blood out of the left ventricle;e.

this is referred to as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOT)

49
Q

what is HOCM associated with

A

increased risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death

50
Q

who is it a notable cause of sudden cardiac death in

A

young people, including high-performing athletes

51
Q

what kind of genetic condition is HOCM

A

autosomal dominant genetic condition resulting from a defect in the genes for sarcomere proteins. it occurs in about 1 in 500 people

52
Q

what is the presentation of HOCM

A

most patients are asymptomatic

however, can present with non-specific symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness
Syncope
Chest pain
Palpitations

53
Q

what do severe cases of HOCM present with

A

symptoms of HF

54
Q

why is it important to ask about FH

A

ask about a family history of heart disease and sudden death. it may occur in patients without a family history if a de novo mutation occurs

55
Q

what are the examination findings in HOCM

A

Ejection systolic murmur at the lower left sternal border (louder with the valsalva manoeuvre)

Fourth heart sound

§Thrill at the lower left sternal border

56
Q

what may there also be signs of

A

Atrial fibrillation (irregularly irregular pulse)
Mitral regurgitation (high-pitched, pan-systolic murmur)
Heart failure

57
Q

what are the investigations done for HOCM

A

an ECG - may show. left ventricular hypertrophy

a CXR is usually normal. it may show signs of pulmonary oedema if heart failure is present

an echocardiogram or cardiac MRI is used to establish the diagnosis

genetic testing may be considered to establish the affected genes

58
Q

what is the management of HOCM

A

beta blockers

surgical myectomy

alcohol septal ablation

implantable cardioverter defibrillator

heart transplant

59
Q

what are patients with HOCM to avoid

A

intense exercise, heavy lifting and dehydration

60
Q

what medications are avoided in HOCM and why

A

ACE inhibitors and nitrates are avoided as they can worsen the LVOT obstruction

61
Q

what are the outcomes of HOCM

A

Minimal symptoms and a normal lifespan (most patients)
Arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation)
Mitral regurgitation
Heart failure
Sudden cardiac death

62
Q

what is dilated cardiomyopathy

A

condition where the heart muscle becomes thin and dilated. it may be genetic or seoncdary to other conditions such as myocarditis

63
Q

what is alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy

A

a type of dilated cardiomyopathy causes by long term alcohol use

64
Q

what is restrictive cardiomyopathy

A

when the heart becomes rigid and stiff, causing impaired ventricular filling during diastole

65
Q

what is arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

A

a genetic condition where the heart muscle is progressively replaced by fibrofatty tissue. it becomes prone to ventricular arrhythmias. it is a notable cause of sudden cardiac death in young people

66
Q

what is takotsubo cardiomyopathy

A

a condition with a rapid onset of left ventricular dysfunction and weakness

this often follows severe emotional distress, for example the death of a pattern

it is called broken heart syndrome

it resolves spontaneously with time

67
Q

where are most pacemakers placed

A

In the right atrium and right ventricle

not placed in the atrium as there is too high flow condition

68
Q

what are the indications for a pacemaker

A

Symptomatic bradycardias (e.g., due to sick sinus syndrome)
Mobitz type 2 heart block
Third-degree heart block
Atrioventricular node ablation for atrial fibrillation
Severe heart failure (biventricular pacemakers)

69
Q

what is a biventricular pacemaker used for

A

leads in the right atrium, right ventricle and left ventricle

there are usually in patients with severe HF.

they coordinate the contraction of these chambers to optimise heart function

70
Q

what is this refereed to as

A

cardiac resynchronisation therapy

71
Q

what are ICD’s

A

implantable cardiverter defibrillators

72
Q

what do ICDs do

A

continually monitor the heart and apply a defibrillator shock if they identify ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation

73
Q

when are implantable cardioverter defibrillators used

A

in patients at risk of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, for example:

Previous cardiac arrest
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Long QT syndrome

74
Q

what can the pacemaker intervention be seen as on the ECG trace

A

seen as a sharp vertical line on all leads on the ECG trace

a line before each P wave indicated a lead in the atria

a lone before each QRS complex indicates a lead into the ventricles

75
Q

what prosthetic valve has the smallest risk of thrombus formation

A

St Jude

76
Q
A