ACUTE CARE EXAM
(2025)
Q&A
how to approach an unwell patient [3] - answer-approach only if no danger
intro
A-E assessment
A approach of A-E assessment [3] - answer-Airways:
Look for obstruction physical
- Suction if vomit/blood/foreign bodies
If active vomiting turn to side
Do chin lift head tilt and look again
Jaw thrust if still not patent
Listen for any life sounds
Manage with oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal if needed
If airway cant be maintained = call for anaesthetics to intubate
B approach of A-E assessment [2] - answer-Breathing:
Resp rate from chest AND o2 sats
Resp exam = expansion, palpation, percussion, auscultation
,Manage with 15L non-rebreather mask if low o2
- Can do ABGs rn too
Can give CPAP if needed
C approach of A-E assessment [3] - answer-Circulation:
Assess cap refill, pulse, chest oedema and temp
ABG's
Urine output
Heart valves
Bp
Ecg
Bloods
CXR
Manage with cannulation and fluids if low bp
2 x large bore IV cannulas (or IO if not)
D approach of A-E assessment [4] - answer-Disability
Awareness
Consciousness
GCS/AVPU (alert, confused, voice, pain (trap squeeze), unresponsiveness
Blood glucose
, Manage high/low BG with insulin/glucose as needed
E approach of A-E assessment [4] - answer-Exposure - BRATS = bruises, rashes, abdo,
trauma, skin
Abdo exam
Ankle oedema
Call for help
what is the definition of sepsis [1] - answer-organ failure due to systemic inflammation
what happens to serum lactate in sepsis and why [2] - answer-Inadequate oxygen to tissues
causes anaerobic respiration
Lactic acid is waste product of this causing raised serum lactate and metabolic acidosis
what is sepsis hallmarked by [3] - answer-Excessive inflammation
Coagulation
Fibrinolytic suppression
what is the qSOFA used for [2] - answer-risk of mortality if sepsis is suspected outside of ICU
a score of more than/equal to 2 is heightened risk
what is the qSOFA parameters [3] - answer-RR >22
(2025)
Q&A
how to approach an unwell patient [3] - answer-approach only if no danger
intro
A-E assessment
A approach of A-E assessment [3] - answer-Airways:
Look for obstruction physical
- Suction if vomit/blood/foreign bodies
If active vomiting turn to side
Do chin lift head tilt and look again
Jaw thrust if still not patent
Listen for any life sounds
Manage with oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal if needed
If airway cant be maintained = call for anaesthetics to intubate
B approach of A-E assessment [2] - answer-Breathing:
Resp rate from chest AND o2 sats
Resp exam = expansion, palpation, percussion, auscultation
,Manage with 15L non-rebreather mask if low o2
- Can do ABGs rn too
Can give CPAP if needed
C approach of A-E assessment [3] - answer-Circulation:
Assess cap refill, pulse, chest oedema and temp
ABG's
Urine output
Heart valves
Bp
Ecg
Bloods
CXR
Manage with cannulation and fluids if low bp
2 x large bore IV cannulas (or IO if not)
D approach of A-E assessment [4] - answer-Disability
Awareness
Consciousness
GCS/AVPU (alert, confused, voice, pain (trap squeeze), unresponsiveness
Blood glucose
, Manage high/low BG with insulin/glucose as needed
E approach of A-E assessment [4] - answer-Exposure - BRATS = bruises, rashes, abdo,
trauma, skin
Abdo exam
Ankle oedema
Call for help
what is the definition of sepsis [1] - answer-organ failure due to systemic inflammation
what happens to serum lactate in sepsis and why [2] - answer-Inadequate oxygen to tissues
causes anaerobic respiration
Lactic acid is waste product of this causing raised serum lactate and metabolic acidosis
what is sepsis hallmarked by [3] - answer-Excessive inflammation
Coagulation
Fibrinolytic suppression
what is the qSOFA used for [2] - answer-risk of mortality if sepsis is suspected outside of ICU
a score of more than/equal to 2 is heightened risk
what is the qSOFA parameters [3] - answer-RR >22
