Inpatient Procedures

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Inpatient Procedures - Tapping Treasures

I. Thoracentesis (Pleural Tap)

  • Indications: Dx (new effusion), Tx (dyspnea).
  • Site: Mid-scapular/axillary line, 1-2 ICS below fluid, above rib. US guidance.
  • Complications: Pneumothorax, hemothorax, re-expansion pulmonary edema (drain <1.5L), vasovagal.
  • Light's Criteria (Exudate if any 1):
    • Pl.Pr/S.Pr >0.5 (Pleural Protein/Serum Protein)
    • Pl.LDH/S.LDH >0.6 (Pleural LDH/Serum LDH)
    • Pl.LDH >2/3 ULN serum (Pleural LDH > two-thirds Upper Limit of Normal for serum LDH). 📌 Mnemonic "PLE": Protein ratio, LDH ratio, Enz_LDH (absolute).

II. Paracentesis (Ascitic Tap)

  • Indications: Dx (new ascites, SBP rule-out), Tx (tense ascites).
  • Site: LLQ (2-3cm medial-superior to ASIS) or midline infraumbilical. Z-track.
  • Complications: Leak, hematoma, bowel perf., infection.
  • SAAG (Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient):
    • SAAG = S.Alb - Asc.Alb (Serum Albumin - Ascites Albumin)
    • ≥1.1 g/dL: Portal HTN (cirrhosis, CHF).
    • <1.1 g/dL: Non-portal HTN (malignancy, TB).

⭐ SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL ~97% accurate for portal HTN ascites.

Thoracentesis procedure and needle insertion diagram

Inpatient Procedures - LP Lowdown

  • Indications: Dx (meningitis, SAH, MS), Therapeutic (↑ICP, meds).
  • Contraindications:
    • ↑ICP signs (papilledema, focal deficits) → CT head first!
    • Coagulopathy (INR > 1.5, Plt < 50k)
    • Local skin infection.
    • Spinal epidural abscess.
  • Procedure Key Points:
    • Position: Lateral decubitus, knees to chest.
    • Landmark: L3-L4/L4-L5 (iliac crests).
    • Opening Pressure (OP): Normal 10-20 cm H₂O.
    • Collect 3-4 tubes (📌 Order: 1.Chem/Immuno, 2.Micro, 3.Cells, 4.Special).
  • Complications: Post-LP headache, infection, bleeding, herniation.

Lumbar Puncture Positions and Needle Insertion

⭐ Xanthochromia (yellow CSF) indicates SAH if >6-12 hrs post-bleed (bilirubin).

Inpatient Procedures - Vascular Ventures

  • Central Venous Catheter (CVC):

    • Indications: CVP monitoring, TPN, vasopressors, poor peripheral access, rapid fluid resuscitation.
    • Sites: Internal Jugular (IJV) (preferred), Subclavian (↑ pneumothorax risk), Femoral (↑ infection risk).
    • Technique: Seldinger (needle → guidewire → dilator → catheter).
    • Complications: Pneumothorax (esp. subclavian), arterial puncture, hematoma, infection (CLABSI), thrombosis, air embolism.
    • 📌 Mnemonic (IJV anatomy): "Two Heads Are Better Than One" (Sternocleidomastoid heads for IJV triangle).
  • Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Sampling:

    • Indications: Assess oxygenation ($PaO_2$), ventilation ($PaCO_2$), acid-base status (pH, $HCO_3^-$).
    • Sites: Radial (preferred), brachial, femoral.
    • Pre-procedure: Modified Allen's Test (for radial artery patency).
    • Complications: Hematoma, arterial spasm, thrombosis, nerve injury, infection.

Creep Method for Leading the Needle

⭐ Most common non-infectious complication of CVC is catheter malposition.

Inpatient Procedures - Tube Trails & Tips

  • Nasogastric (NG) Tube Essentials:

    • Uses: Gastric decompression (SBO), lavage, medication/feed delivery.
    • Sizing: Adults 12-18 Fr. Measurement: NEX (Nose-Earlobe-Xiphoid).
    • Insertion: Upright, lubricate tube, chin-to-chest, swallow sips of water.
  • Placement Verification (CRUCIAL):

    • Bedside checks: Aspirate appearance & pH (gastric target < 5.5). Epigastric "whoosh" on air insufflation.

    ⭐ Chest X-ray (CXR) is the gold standard for confirming NG tube tip location, vital before initiating feeds or high-risk medications.

  • Key Pearls & Pitfalls:

    • 📌 Mnemonic: NEXt, X-ray Confirms Position (NEX, X-ray Confirmation).
    • Risks: Malposition (tracheal, pulmonary, intracranial), sinusitis, epistaxis, aspiration pneumonia.
    • ⚠️ If cough, excessive gagging, or respiratory distress during insertion, withdraw tube immediately.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Thoracentesis: Use Light's criteria for exudates; site: 8th-9th ICS, mid-axillary line.
  • Paracentesis: SAAG > 1.1 g/dL implies portal hypertension; site: LLQ.
  • Lumbar Puncture: Avoid if raised ICP; normal opening pressure <20 cm H2O.
  • Central Lines: Seldinger technique used; IJV preferred; risk: pneumothorax.
  • ABG: Allen's test pre-radial puncture; radial artery common.
  • NG Tube: X-ray confirms placement (gold standard).
  • Urinary Catheter: Aseptic technique prevents CAUTI.

Practice Questions: Inpatient Procedures

Test your understanding with these related questions

Examine the abdominal X-ray shown. What is the most likely diagnosis based on the findings?

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Flashcards: Inpatient Procedures

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The rate of catheter infection is highest for those placed in the _____ vein

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The rate of catheter infection is highest for those placed in the _____ vein

femoral

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