Section 30 Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is the role of emergency medicine in infectious disease management?
Rapid diagnosis, isolation, treatment initiation, and prevention of disease spread.
What are common infectious diseases encountered in emergency settings?
Influenza, pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, and gastroenteritis.
How is sepsis identified in the emergency department?
By systemic inflammatory response (SIRS), evidence of infection, and organ dysfunction.
What are the primary signs of meningitis?
Fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status.
How is bacterial meningitis managed in emergency care?
Immediate administration of IV antibiotics and corticosteroids.
What is the purpose of isolation precautions in emergency medicine?
To prevent the transmission of infectious agents to other patients and healthcare workers.
How is pneumonia managed in emergency settings?
Empirical antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and supportive care.
What is the role of hand hygiene in preventing infectious diseases?
It is the single most effective measure to prevent the spread of infections.
How is gastroenteritis treated in emergency care?
Rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and supportive care.
What are the indications for antiviral therapy in emergency settings?
Severe influenza, herpes encephalitis, and immunocompromised patients with viral infections.
What is the protocol for needlestick injuries in emergency medicine?
Immediate wound cleaning, risk assessment, and post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated.
How is tuberculosis managed in emergency settings?
Isolation, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and notification to public health authorities.
What are the clinical signs of septic shock?
Hypotension, tachycardia, altered mental status, and multi-organ failure.
What is the role of prophylactic antibiotics in emergency care?
To prevent infection in high-risk situations such as open fractures and surgical wounds.
How is HIV exposure managed in the emergency department?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), risk assessment, and follow-up testing.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in emergency medicine?
Erythema migrans (bullseye rash), fever, joint pain, and neurological symptoms.
How is rabies exposure managed in emergency settings?
Immediate wound cleaning, rabies immunoglobulin, and vaccination.
What is the significance of herd immunity in preventing infectious outbreaks?
It reduces disease spread when a large portion of the population is immune.
How is infectious endocarditis diagnosed in emergency care?
Through blood cultures, echocardiography, and clinical signs like fever and heart murmur.
What is the emergency management of malaria?
Antimalarial therapy, supportive care, and monitoring for complications.
How is tetanus managed in emergency settings?
Administration of tetanus immunoglobulin, wound care, and antibiotic therapy.
What are the clinical features of hepatitis in emergency medicine?
Jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, and elevated liver enzymes.
How is viral hepatitis managed in the emergency department?
Supportive care, hydration, and monitoring for complications.
What is the role of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases?
It provides immunity and reduces the spread of communicable diseases.
