Acute Care and Emergency Medicine Flashcards

Which antibiotic class is contraindicated in a patient with a known sulfa allergy who requires treatment for a UTI?

Answer: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole contains a sulfonamide component and is contraindicated in patients with sulfa allergy.

A 35-year-old female presents with right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and fever. The Alvarado score is 8. What is the next step?

Answer: Urgent surgical consultation

An Alvarado score of 7–10 indicates high likelihood of appendicitis and warrants urgent surgical consultation.

Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with prolonged QT interval on ECG?

Answer: Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia prolongs the QT interval and increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias including torsades de pointes.

In suspected sepsis, what is the recommended time frame to administer broad-spectrum antibiotics after recognition?

Answer: Within 1 hour

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends antibiotic administration within 1 hour of sepsis recognition to reduce mortality.

A patient presents with epistaxis that does not stop with 20 minutes of direct pressure. What is the next step?

Answer: Anterior nasal packing

Anterior nasal packing is the next step for epistaxis refractory to direct pressure, addressing the most common anterior bleed site.

Which medication is recommended for prophylaxis against altitude sickness when ascending rapidly above 8,000 feet?

Answer: Acetazolamide

Acetazolamide (Diamox) accelerates acclimatization and is the first-line prophylactic agent for acute mountain sickness.