Checkpoint
Retrieval Prompts
- In a hypotensive post-cardiac-arrest patient, what reversible cardiac complication should bedside ultrasound rapidly assess for? → Pericardial tamponade
- What ultrasound finding supports poor fluid tolerance in a patient with suspected heart failure? → A plethoric, poorly collapsible IVC
- In suspected aortic dissection with neurologic symptoms, what treatment principle comes before definitive repair? → Anti-impulse therapy with urgent surgical consultation
- What ventilator change is central to the ARDS Network protocol? → Low tidal volume based on predicted body weight
- In a crashing asthmatic with rising PaCO₂ and fatigue, what definitive intervention may be required? → Endotracheal intubation with cautious ventilation
- What clinical pattern distinguishes Guillain-Barré syndrome from a central spinal cord process? → Progressive symmetric ascending weakness with hyporeflexia
- What presentation should raise concern for cerebral venous thrombosis? → Headache with seizures, focal deficits, or intracranial hypertension, especially with a prothrombotic risk
- In a child with fever, drooling, muffled voice, and floor-of-mouth swelling, what is the priority? → Controlled airway management with early expert assistance
- What complication is suggested by severe pain out of proportion and tense swelling after crush injury? → Compartment syndrome
- What is the key infectious concern in a patient with fever, a new murmur, and pulmonary nodules? → Endocarditis with septic emboli
- In an LVAD patient with a low-flow alarm, what is the immediate approach? → Assess the patient first, then check connections, volume status, rhythm, and device function
- What discriminator favors acute liver failure over uncomplicated liver injury? → Coagulopathy with hepatic encephalopathy