Acute Medical Presentations — Flashcards

Flashcard 221: What is the concentration and dose of adrenaline given for anaphylaxis in _____? 150 micrograms of 1 in 1000 (0.15ml)

Answer: children 6 months-6 years

Flashcard 222: What is the management of anaphylaxis (after calling resus/ambulance)? Immediate: _____ then establish airway & high flow oxygen No response after 5 mins: repeat IM adrenaline and IV fluid bolus

Answer: IM adrenaline

Flashcard 223: People with suspected metastatic spinal cord compression should recieve an _____ within 24 hours

Answer: full spine MRI

Flashcard 224: What is the initial medical management of suspected metastatic spinal cord compression?\n_____

Answer: 16 mg oral dexamethasone

Flashcard 225: Immediate management of suspected or confirmed metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) includes _____ and high-dose steroids (e.g., Dexamethasone).

Answer: immobilisation

Extra: Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC) is an oncological emergency. Initial management includes flat bed rest (immobilization) to prevent further mechanical damage, along with dexamethasone (usually 16mg/day divided) and a proton pump inhibitor for gastric protection. Definitive treatment involves surgical decompression or radiotherapy.

Flashcard 226: _____ therapy may be used in palliative patients for dyspnoea if they are at risk of symptomatic hypoxia

Answer: Oxygen

Flashcard 227: Gurgling and 'death rattle' in the end stages of terminal illness are due to airway _____

Answer: secretions

Flashcard 228: What is the initial management of dyspnoea in palliative patients?

Answer: Correct the correctable (e.g. drain pleural effusion, treat chest infection or PE, blood transfusion)

Flashcard 229: Impaired cognition, reduced oral intake, peripheral cyanosis and altered breathing pattern are all signs that a palliative patient is _____

Answer: dying

Flashcard 230: What non-pharmacological measures can be taken to reduce noisy respiratory secretions? _____ or suction

Answer: Elevating the head of the bed with the patient on their side