Acute Medical Presentations — Flashcards

Flashcard 181: _____ are commonly associated with hypothermia.

Answer: J waves (Osborn waves)

Extra: J waves (Osborn waves) are positive deflections at the J point (junction of the QRS complex and the ST segment). While classic for hypothermia (usually below 32°C), they can also be seen in hypercalcemia, Brugada syndrome, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Flashcard 182: PT and PTT may be _____ in hypothermic patients

Answer: prolonged

Flashcard 183: The preferred way to measure core temperature in hypothermic patients is via _____ or rectal thermometer

Answer: oesophageal probe

Flashcard 184: Bradycardia in hypothermic patients is generally _____ to atropine

Answer: refractory

Flashcard 185: Which re-warming technique should be used for patients with mild hypothermia (32-35°C)? _____

Answer: Passive external warming

Flashcard 186: Hypothermic patients should be given _____ oxygen during re-warming

Answer: warmed, humidified

Flashcard 187: Hypothermic patients who appear to be dead cannot be pronounced dead until they are _____

Answer: warm (35°C)

Flashcard 188: Patients with hypothermia should have continuous _____ monitoring

Answer: ECG

Flashcard 189: What is the management of frostbite? _____

Answer: Rapid rewarming with warm water (37-39°C)

Extra: Important: This should only be done if there is no risk of the area refreezing before reaching definitive care, as refreezing thawed tissue causes severe damage.

Flashcard 190: _____ is most commonly associated with hypothermia

Answer: J wave (Osborn Wave)