conditions and differentials summary Flashcards
What is Rapid Sequence Intubation?
A controlled intubation using sedation and paralytics to facilitate airway management.
What does FiO2 stand for?
Fraction of inspired oxygen, estimate of the oxygen inhaled
What is EtCO2 used for?
the level of carbon dioxide that is released at the end of an exhaled breath
What dose Capnography show?
how much CO2 is present at each phase of the respiratory cycle
Define Hyperthermia.
Core temperature >40°C due to heat exposure or metabolic causes, requiring cooling measures.
Define Hypothermia.
Core temperature <35°C, leading to metabolic depression and cardiac instability.
What is a Stroke?
An interruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to neuronal injury, inflammation, and loss of function.
What is a TIA?
A transient ischemic attack occurs due to a temporary reduction in cerebral blood flow.
What characterizes a Minor Allergy?
Mild hypersensitivity reaction with localized symptoms.
What is Anaphylaxis?
A severe, systemic hypersensitivity reaction caused by massive release of histamine.
Define Hypovolemia.
Reduced circulating blood volume causing inadequate perfusion, managed with fluid resuscitation.
What is Autonomic Dysreflexia?
A sudden, excessive sympathetic response to stimuli below a spinal cord injury.
below the injury: Uncontrolled sympathetic activation causes widespread vasoconstriction, leading to severe hypertension.
Above the injury: The body attempts to compensate with parasympathetic activation, causing bradycardia, flushing, sweating, and headache.
What occurs below the injury in Autonomic Dysreflexia?
Uncontrolled sympathetic activation causes widespread vasoconstriction, leading to severe hypertension.
What occurs above the injury in Autonomic Dysreflexia?
The body attempts to compensate with parasympathetic activation, causing bradycardia and flushing.
What is a UTI?
A bacterial infection of the urinary tract causing dysuria, frequency, and systemic symptoms.
Define Antepartum Hemorrhage.
Vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks gestation, associated with placenta previa or abruption.
What is Postpartum Hemorrhage?
Excessive bleeding (>500 mL) within 24 hours postpartum, requiring fluid resuscitation.
What is Breech Birth?
Delivery where the fetus presents buttocks or feet first, requiring specialized management.
What is Cord Prolapse?
Umbilical cord descent before fetal head, leading to compression and fetal hypoxia.
What is Shoulder Dystocia?
A birth emergency where the fetal head delivers, but the shoulders remain trapped.
What characterizes a Spinal Cord Injury?
Damage to the spinal cord causing sensory and motor deficits, with potential autonomic dysregulation.
Define Tension Pneumothorax.
Air enters the pleural space but cannot escape, causing lung collapse and impaired venous return.
What is Meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges, often bacterial or viral, causing fever and altered mental status.
What is Meningococcal Septicemia?
A rapidly progressing bacterial infection leading to sepsis and multi-organ failure.