Chapter·SurgerySurgical complications

Neurological complicationsDownloads

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1

A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He was in the front seat and unrestrained driver in a head on collision. His temperature is 99.2°F (37.3°C), blood pressure is 90/65 mmHg, pulse is 152/min, respirations are 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 100% on room air. Physical exam is notable for a young man who opens his eyes spontaneously and is looking around. He answers questions with inappropriate responses but discernible words. He withdraws from pain but does not have purposeful movement. Which of the following is this patient's Glasgow coma scale?

A9

B15

C7

D11

E13

2

A 34-year-old woman is recovering in the post-operative unit following a laparoscopic procedure for chronic endometriosis. She had initially presented with complaints of painful menstrual cramps that kept her bedridden most of the day. She also mentioned to her gynecologist that she had been diagnosed with endometriosis 4 years ago, and she could not find a medication or alternative therapeutic measure that helped. Her medical history was significant for surgery she had 6 years ago to remove tumors she had above her kidneys, after which she was prescribed hydrocortisone. An hour after the laparoscopic procedure, she calls the nurse because she is having difficulty breathing. The nurse records her vital signs include: blood pressure 85/55 mm Hg, respirations 20/min, and pulse 115/min. The patient suddenly loses consciousness. Intravenous fluids are started immediately. She gains consciousness, but her blood pressure is unchanged. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the hypotension?

ABleeding profusely through the surgical site

BImproper supplementation of steroids

CInfection involving the suture line

DHigh doses of anesthetic drugs

ELoss of fluids during the procedure

3

A 59-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by a coworker for right arm weakness and numbness. The symptoms started suddenly 2 hours ago. His coworker also noticed his face appears to droop on the right side and his speech is slurred. He has a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease. He works as a partner at a law firm and has been under more stress than usual lately. His father died of a stroke at age 70. The patient has smoked a pack of cigarettes daily for the last 40 years. He drinks two pints (750 mL) of whiskey each week. He takes aspirin, atorvastatin, lisinopril, and metformin daily. He is 167.6 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall and weighs 104.3 kg (230 lb); BMI is 37 kg/m2. His temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), pulse is 92/min, respirations are 15/min, and blood pressure is 143/92 mm Hg. He is fully alert and oriented. Neurological examination shows asymmetry of the face with droop of the lips on the right. There is 3/5 strength in right wrist flexion and extension, and right finger abduction. Sensation to light touch and pinprick is reduced throughout the right arm. Which of the following is the strongest predisposing factor for this patient's condition?

AExcessive alcohol intake

BObesity

CHypertension

DIncreased stress

EHyperlipidemia

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