Medical Emergencies Flashcards

A 72-year-old male complains of the sudden onset of a 'tearing' abdominal pain that radiates to his back. He is pale, diaphoretic, and has a blood pressure of 82/54 mmHg with a heart rate of 124 bpm. A pulsatile mass is palpable just superior to the umbilicus. Which of the following is the most appropriate prehospital fluid management strategy for this patient?

Answer: Establish large-bore IV access and administer fluid boluses judiciously to maintain a systolic BP of 70-80 mmHg or presence of a radial pulse.

The patient's presentation is classic for a dissecting or ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). The primary goal is rapid transport to a surgical center. Aggressive fluid resuscitation to a normal blood pressure can dislodge any temporary clot, increase hydrostatic pressure, and worsen the hemorrhage. Therefore, the current standard of care is 'permissive hypotension,' where fluids are administered carefully to maintain just enough pressure for essential organ perfusion (indicated by a radial pulse or a systolic BP of 70-80 mmHg) until the bleeding can be surgically controlled.

You are dispatched to a farm where a 45-year-old male is found confused and vomiting. His coworkers state he was spraying pesticides without protective gear. The patient has pinpoint pupils, is profusely sweating and salivating, and is incontinent of urine. These findings are most characteristic of which toxidrome?

Answer: Cholinergic

This patient's signs and symptoms are classic for a cholinergic crisis, most likely caused by organophosphate poisoning from the pesticides. The mnemonic SLUDGEM (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI distress, Emesis, Miosis) or DUMBELS (Diaphoresis/Diarrhea, Urination, Miosis, Bradycardia/Bronchospasm, Emesis, Lacrimation, Salivation) describes the effects of excessive acetylcholine stimulation, which is the mechanism of organophosphate toxicity.

A 19-year-old female with a history of Type 1 Diabetes is found lethargic by her roommate. She has deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul breathing) and her breath has a distinct fruity odor. Her blood glucose level is 580 mg/dL. This presentation is most consistent with which diabetic emergency?

Answer: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by the triad of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis. The Kussmaul respirations are the body's attempt to compensate for the acidosis by blowing off CO2. The fruity odor on her breath is caused by the exhalation of acetone, a type of ketone. This full clinical picture is the hallmark of DKA, which is more common in Type 1 diabetics, as opposed to HHS which is more common in Type 2 and typically does not feature significant ketosis or acidosis.

You are assessing a patient with a suspected infection who was transferred from a skilled nursing facility. Using the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score, which combination of findings indicates a high risk for poor outcomes from sepsis?

Answer: Respiratory rate 24/min, Altered mental status, Systolic BP 98 mmHg

The qSOFA score consists of three criteria, with one point for each: Respiratory Rate ≥ 22/min, Altered Mental Status (GCS < 15), and Systolic Blood Pressure ≤ 100 mmHg. A score of 2 or more is considered positive and indicates a high risk of poor outcomes. The patient in answer A meets all three criteria (RR 24, AMS, SBP 98), resulting in a qSOFA score of 3, clearly indicating a high-risk patient.

A 66-year-old female presents with a sudden onset of severe vertigo, ataxia (inability to walk straight), and diplopia (double vision). A FAST exam reveals no facial droop, arm drift, or speech slurring. These findings are most suggestive of a stroke occurring in which part of the brain?

Answer: Posterior circulation (vertebrobasilar system)

Strokes in the posterior circulation, which includes the vertebral and basilar arteries supplying the cerebellum and brainstem, often present with non-traditional stroke symptoms. The classic signs are often remembered by the '5 D's': Dizziness (vertigo), Diplopia, Dysarthria, Dysphagia, and Dystaxia (ataxia). The absence of classic anterior circulation signs (like unilateral weakness or facial droop) coupled with these specific symptoms strongly points to a posterior circulation stroke.

An elderly man is found unresponsive in a non-air-conditioned home during a heatwave. His skin is flushed, hot, and notably dry. He has a rectal temperature of 41.1°C (106°F). Which of the following interventions is the most critical and immediate priority?

Answer: Initiating immediate and aggressive active cooling measures, such as applying cold packs to the groin and axillae and misting with water.

This patient is presenting with classic heat stroke, a true medical emergency defined by hyperthermia and central nervous system dysfunction. The body's thermoregulatory system has failed, so the absolute priority is to lower the core body temperature as quickly as possible through external means. Active cooling measures, such as applying cold packs to high-flow vascular areas (axillae, groin, neck) and evaporative cooling (misting with tepid water and fanning), should be started immediately. Antipyretics like acetaminophen are ineffective because the high temperature is not caused by a change in the hypothalamic set point. While fluid resuscitation is important, rapid cooling takes precedence.