End-of-Life Care — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: In adults, the most common electrical mechanism for cardiac arrest is _____

Answer: Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)

Extra: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the most common initial electrical mechanism of sudden cardiac arrest in adults, especially in those with underlying ischemic heart disease. Note: While asystole or Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) are frequently the rhythms encountered by first responders (as VF degrades into asystole over time), VF is the primary triggering mechanism.

Flashcard 2: _____ score assesses the severity and mortality risk in alcoholic hepatitis

Answer: Maddrey

Flashcard 3: In patients with neuromuscular disease (e.g., GBS, Myasthenia Gravis), what Vital Capacity (VC) threshold is typically used as an indication for mechanical ventilation?

Answer: < 10–15 mL/kg

Extra: Normal Vital Capacity is approximately 60–70 mL/kg. Indications for mechanical ventilation in neuromuscular respiratory failure (e.g., GBS, Myasthenia Gravis) include: - Vital Capacity (VC) < 15 mL/kg - Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) < -30 cm H2O - Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) < 40 cm H2O

Flashcard 4: Acute onset tachypnea and _____ in a post-op CABG patient points to the diagnosis of acute respiratory failure.

Answer: hypoxemia

Extra: Acute respiratory failure post-CABG is typically defined by hypoxemia (PaO2 < 60 mmHg) and tachypnea. Common causes include atelectasis, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. Note: Hypotension in the post-operative period is more characteristic of shock states, such as cardiac tamponade, acute heart failure, or massive pulmonary embolism.

Flashcard 5: Prognosis of ARDS is poor with _____% mortality rate

Answer: 40

Flashcard 6: What is the next step in management for a patient failing standard oxygen therapy?

Answer: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) or Non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

Flashcard 7: Patient with a positive vasoreactivity test using inhaled NO, _____ are used as first line for management of PAH

Answer: CCBs