Medical Emergencies Flashcards

Which electrolyte abnormality is most associated with peaked T-waves and widened QRS complex on ECG?

Answer: Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia causes progressive ECG changes including peaked T-waves, prolonged PR interval, widened QRS, and ultimately a sine-wave pattern.

A patient with COPD is found unconscious with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min. Which oxygen delivery concern is most relevant?

Answer: Suppression of hypoxic respiratory drive

Some COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive to breathe; high-flow oxygen can suppress this drive and worsen hypoventilation.

In a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism, which triad of findings is classically described?

Answer: Hemoptysis, pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea

The classic PE triad includes hemoptysis, pleuritic chest pain, and dyspnea, though all three are present in only a minority of cases.

A patient presents with sudden unilateral leg swelling, warmth, and redness after a long flight. What condition must be ruled out first?

Answer: Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis must be ruled out first given the risk of embolization to the pulmonary vasculature, which can be fatal.

Which of the following medications is a known cause of medication-induced hypoglycemia?

Answer: Sulfonylureas such as glipizide

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion regardless of blood glucose level, making hypoglycemia a significant risk even without excess dosing.

A 70-year-old male presents with tearing chest pain radiating to the back, unequal blood pressures in both arms, and a widened mediastinum on CXR. The most likely diagnosis is:

Answer: Aortic dissection

Tearing back pain, blood pressure differential between arms, and widened mediastinum are hallmarks of aortic dissection.

Beck's triad — hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and JVD — is classic for which condition?

Answer: Cardiac tamponade

Beck's triad describes cardiac tamponade, where pericardial fluid compresses the heart, impairing filling and reducing cardiac output.