Advanced Airway Management
This rapid-acting sedative is often used for rapid sequence intubation (RSI) due to its minimal hemodynamic effects.
What is etomidate?
This vasopressor is often the first-line agent for septic shock due to its ability to increase systemic vascular resistance.
What is norepinephrine (Levophed)?
Cushing's Triad, a sign of increased ICP, consists of hypertension, bradycardia, and this.
What is an irregular respiratory pattern (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes)?
The initial fluid resuscitation for septic shock typically involves rapid administration of this type of fluid.
What are crystalloids (normal saline or Lactated Ringer's)?
Bedside ultrasound performed to assess for free fluid in the abdomen and pericardium, typically in trauma patients.
What is a FAST exam (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma)?
This paralytic agent is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia or crush injuries due to its risk of potassium release.
What is succinylcholine?
The "golden hour" for trauma resuscitation refers to aggressive intervention within this timeframe, aiming to stop hemorrhage and restore perfusion.
What is the first 60 minutes?
Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees and keeping the neck in a neutral midline position are key non-pharmacological interventions to reduce this.
What is intracranial pressure (ICP)?
Sepsis with persistent hypotension requiring vasopressors to maintain a MAP of 65 mmHg or greater, despite adequate fluid resuscitation describes this.
What is septic shock?
This finding on a Chest X-ray, characterized by widespread interstitial and alveolar infiltrates, is classic for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
What is bilateral pulmonary infiltrates (or "white-out")?
Using a bougie during intubation to facilitate passage of the ETT is particularly helpful in patients with this type of airway.
What is a difficult airway (anterior larynx, poor glottic view)?
In an unstable patient with suspected cardiac tamponade, this emergent procedure involves aspirating fluid from the pericardial sac.
What is pericardiocentesis?
In acute ischemic stroke, this procedure involves removing a clot with a specialized device from a large vessel within a specific time window.
What is mechanical thrombectomy?
Lactate levels are frequently monitored in septic patients as an indicator of this cellular dysfunction.
What is tissue hypoperfusion/anaerobic metabolism?
The "ABCDE" mnemonic in critical care refers to Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and this important fifth step.
What is Exposure and Environment (or Everything else)?
A sudden drop in ETCO2 readings, despite initial intubation confirmation, should raise suspicion for this life-threatening event.
What is tracheal extubation or dislodgement?
This type of shock is characterized by severe peripheral vasodilation and maldistribution of blood flow, often despite adequate intravascular volume.
What is distributive shock
This osmotic diuretic is commonly used for acute management of elevated ICP in the ED setting.
What is mannitol?
The "hour-1 bundle" for sepsis management includes early administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and measurement of this.
What is lactate (and repeat if initial is elevated)?
A patient in respiratory distress with muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distention, and hypotension (Beck's Triad) has signs of this cardiac condition.
What is cardiac tamponade?
A surgical airway, performed when other methods fail, where a direct incision is made into the cricothyroid membrane.
What is a cricothyroidotomy?
Administering 1 unit of Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) for every 1 unit of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and 1 unit of platelets describes this resuscitation strategy.
What is massive transfusion protocol (MTP) with a 1:1:1 ratio?
A "blown pupil" that is dilated and fixed, often on the same side as a cerebral mass lesion, is indicative of this neurological emergency.
What is uncal herniation?
This type of shock is often characterized by a low systemic vascular resistance and a high cardiac output in the early stages, often with warm extremities.
What is distributive shock (specifically septic shock)?
This life-threatening endocrine emergency is characterized by altered mental status, severe bradycardia, hypothermia, and hypercarbia, often seen in elderly patients with uncontrolled hypothyroidism.
What is myxedema coma?