Acute Medical Presentations — Flashcards

Flashcard 221: Patients with refractory anaphylaxis should be given _____ every 5 minutes until a(n) adrenaline infusion is started

Answer: IM adrenaline

Flashcard 222: What is the management of refractory anaphylaxis? _____ & adrenaline infusion

Answer: Rapid IV crystalloid fluid bolus

Flashcard 223: 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 224: What is the initial medical management of suspected metastatic spinal cord compression?\n_____

Answer: 16 mg oral dexamethasone

Flashcard 225: People with suspected metastatic spinal cord compression should recieve an _____ within 24 hours

Answer: full spine MRI

Flashcard 226: Impaired cognition, reduced oral intake, peripheral cyanosis and altered breathing pattern are all signs that a palliative patient is _____

Answer: dying

Flashcard 227: 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

Flashcard 228: Gurgling and 'death rattle' in the end stages of terminal illness are due to airway _____

Answer: secretions

Flashcard 229: _____ therapy may be used in palliative patients for dyspnoea if they are at risk of symptomatic hypoxia

Answer: Oxygen

Flashcard 230: 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)