emergency med

Question 1

headache red flag symptoms

Answer 1

worst HA of my life
sudden onset
“thunderclap” HA
onset after age 50
markedly elevated BP
N/V
neuro symptoms
pappiledema
personality changes/AMS
signs of systemic illness
progression in frequency or severity
pregnancy or immediately postpartum

Question 2

low back pain red flag symptoms

Answer 2

unexplained weight loss
loss of bowel/bladder function
saddle anesthesia
pain w radiation to abdomen
pain > 1 month
s/s of infection
pain worse at night or at rest

Question 3

chest pain red flag symptoms

Answer 3

feelings of dread, dyspnea, N/V, diaphoresis, near-syncope, lightheadedness

worse w exertion, improves w rest
musculoskeletal pain
tachypnea
tachycardia
pulsus paradoxus
hypotension
beck’s triad - JVD, muffled heart sounds, hypotension

Question 4

SOB red flag symptoms

Answer 4

acute onset
stridor, impaired phonation
retractions, resp distress
unconscious
swollen lymph nodes, neck masses
hypotension
decreased breath sounds
cyanosis

Question 5

abd pain red flag symptoms

Answer 5

pain <48 hours
pain followed by vomiting
age >65
hx of abdominal surgery
guarding, rebound tenderness, rigidity, absent BS

Question 6

fever/chills red flag symptoms

Answer 6

febrile (>38.5)
tachycardia
hypotension
leukocytosis
tachypnea
source of infection
altered LOC

Question 7

hyperthermia red flag symptoms

Answer 7

febrile >40
HA
N/V
postural hypotension
dizziness, weakness
diaphoresis
ataxia, seizures

Question 8

hypothermia red flag symptoms

Answer 8

temp <35
cold exposure
AMS
diminished DTRs
coma
hypotension
bradycardia
bradypnea