SAEM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Management of Large Subungual Hematoma Correct Answer: Drainage (18-Gauge) or Hot Micro-Cauterization
Reason to Avoid
... [Show More] Suction in Ear Foreign Body Removal Correct Answer: Perforation of Tympanic Membrane
Management of Skin Abscess Correct Answer: Linear Incision for Non-Face vs. Needle Drainage for Face
Catheter for Bartholin Cyst Correct Answer: Word
Grading of Laryngeal Opening Correct Answer: Cormack-Lehane
Preferred Induction Agent in Reactive Airway Disease for Dilation Effects Correct Answer: Ketamine
Induction Agent Avoided in Sepsis Due To Adrenal Suppression Correct Answer: Etomidate
Sudden-Onset Back Pain Worsened by Coughing Soon After Epidural Anesthesia Correct Answer: Epidural Hematoma
Presentation of Adhesive Arachnoiditis Correct Answer: Progressive Neuropathy
Tom, Dick, and Very Nervous Harry Correct Answer: Anterior to Posterior of Medial Ankle: Tibialis Posterior, Digitorum Longus, Vein, Nerve, Hallucis Longus
Absolute Contra-Indication to Crico-Thyrotomy Correct Answer: Age Under 5
Anesthesia for Suturing D.I.P. of Finger in Patient with Underlying Vascular Disease Correct Answer: Lidocaine (2%) Without Epinephrine Around Digital Nerve for Fingers, Toes, Penis, Nose
Earliest Sign of Lidocaine Toxicity (Over 5 mg/kg) Correct Answer: Lightheadedness (Also Peri-Oral Numbness, Tinnitus, Visual and Auditory Disturbances, Shivering, Twitching, and Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures)
(1) Avoid Vertical Mattress Sutures.
(2) Avoid Topical Skin Adhesives (Risk of Dehiscence from Sweating). Correct Answer: Palm
Glottis Spasm and Chest Wall Rigidity from Sedative (Rapid High Dose of IV Form) Correct Answer: Fentanyl (Effects Not Always Reversed by Naloxone)
Management of Long-Lasting L.P. Headache Correct Answer: Autologous Blood Patch
Timing of Tetanus Prophylaxis Correct Answer: Within First Few Days (Suture Within First 24 Hours)
Normal C.S.F.-to-Blood Glucose Ratio Correct Answer: 0.6
Size of Needle Decompression Needle Correct Answer: 14 Gauge (2nd Intercostal at Midclavicular Line)
Large Paronychia and Cellulitis Correct Answer: Removal of Affected Nail Under Digital Block; Start Antibiotics
Signs of Acute Appendicitis Correct Answer: 1. Rovsing: Right Lower from Left Lower.
2. Psoas: Extension.
3. Obturator: Rotation.
Suggested by Abdominal Pain Preceding Nausea and Vomiting Correct Answer: Surgery (Small Bowel Obstruction)
Peak of Gastric Acid Secretion at Rest Correct Answer: 2 A.M.
Timing of Presentation of Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (Non-Bilious) vs. Intussusception (Bilious) Correct Answer: 4 Weeks vs. 8 Months
Over 95% Sensitive and Specific for Renal Stones Correct Answer: Helical C.T.
Intermittent Left Lower Quadrant Pain (Afebrile), Loose Stools (Non-Bloody); Good Follow-Up Correct Answer: Discharge on High-Fiber Diet (Consider Laxatives and Stool Softeners)
Abdominal Wall Condition in Anti-Coagulated Patient with Trauma or Coughing Correct Answer: Rectus Sheath Hematoma
(1) Age 30.
(2) Prior Abdominal Surgery or Pregnancy.
(3) Marathons. Correct Answer: Risk Factors for Cecal (Cross-Country) Volvulus
Possible Chest X-Ray Finding of Hepatic Abscess Correct Answer: Right-Sided Effusion and Elevated Hemi-Diaphragm
Referred Pain from Ureteral Colic Correct Answer: Inguinal (Ovarian Torsion Does Not Cause Sacral Pain)
Elderly Patient, Diverticulitis Without Perforation (Without Peritonitis) Correct Answer: I.V. Fluids (Elderly), Antibiotics, and Bowel Rest (Peritonitis Requires Surgery)
Proximal vs. Distal Esophageal Perforation Correct Answer: Iatrogenic vs. Spontaneous
Rigidity; Elevated Temperatures, Altered Mental Status, Choreo-Athetosis, Autonomic Dysfunction (Diaphoresis, Incontinence, Arrhythmia) Correct Answer: Dantrolene (Or Bromocriptine, Amantadine, Lorazepam) for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Indicated by Temperature Over 105 Correct Answer: Non-Infectious
Extra-Pyramidal: Involuntary Periodic Movements of Tongue, Lips, or Mouth Correct Answer: Tardive Dyskinesia
Extra-Pyramidal: Torticollis, Fixed Upper Gaze (Oculogyric Crisis), or Arching of Back (Opisthotonus) Correct Answer: Benztropine (2mg Cogentin) or Benadryl (25mg) for Dystonia from Typical Anti-Psychotics
Extra-Pyramidal: Restlessness Correct Answer: Beta-Blocker for Akathisia
E.C.G. Finding of Haloperidol Toxicity Correct Answer: Long Q.T.
Illicit Drug Causing Vertical Nystagmus Correct Answer: Phencyclidine (PCP)
Controls Agitation Without Respiratory Depression (Negligible Anticholinergic Side Effects) Correct Answer: Haloperidol (5mg IM q30); B-52 is Benadryl (50 Milligrams), 5 Milligrams of Haloperidol, and 2 Milligrams of Lorazepam
Risk of Protracted Struggle in Restraints Correct Answer: Metabolic Acidosis
Risk of Flumazenil in Chronic Benzodiazepine User Correct Answer: Withdrawal Seizures
Altered Chronic Alcoholic, Non-Gap Metabolic Acidosis Correct Answer: Isopropyl Alcohol
Glucose and Magnesium Recommendations for Altered Alcoholic Correct Answer: 1. Thiamine Before Glucose; and,
2. Give Magnesium Regardless of Magnesium Level (Low Stores).
Waxing and Waning Global Inability to Relate to Environment and Process Sensory Input (Increased Alertness and Psychomotor Activity) Correct Answer: Delirium
Most Common Dementia Correct Answer: Alzheimer More Common Than Vascular Dementia
Management of Seizures in Eclampsia Correct Answer: Magnesium; Consider Labetalol or Hydralazine for Diastolic Over 110 After Seizure Stops
Relationship Between Alcohol and Seizures Correct Answer: Direct Toxicity vs. Withdrawal vs. Head Injury from Fall
Most Common Cause of Delirium in Elderly Correct Answer: Medications
Tooth Fracture of Enamel and Dentin, Yellowish Tinge, No Blood Correct Answer: Ellis 2 Dental Fracture Requires Consultation to Prevent Abscess Formation
Obvious Nasal Bone Deformity After Blunt Trauma, Bleeding Controlled by Pressure; No Bone Tenderness, Cranial Nerves Intact; Swollen and Bruised Tender Unilateral Septum Correct Answer: Incision and Drainage of Septal Hematoma Followed by Nasal Packing
Eye Blunt Trauma; Pain, Double Vision from Upward Gaze Correct Answer: Entrapment of Inferior Rectus from Inferior Orbital Wall Fracture
Head Blunt Trauma, Loss of Consciousness, Currently Seizing; Previous Confusion, Vomiting, and Headache Correct Answer: R.S.I. with Paralytic (Before Addressing Intracranial Pressure)
Tension Pneumo-Thorax; Hemodynamically Unstable Correct Answer: Needle in 2nd Intercostal Mid-Clavicular (Anterior) or 4th Intercostal Mid-Axillary (Lateral), Before X-Ray (Chest Tube Takes Too Long)
Most Sensitive Bedside Test for Finger Nerve Injury Correct Answer: Two-Point Discrimination
O'Riain Test Correct Answer: Wrinkling of Digit in Warm Water Indicates Intact Nerve
Ottawa Ankle Rules (Any Positive Requires X-Ray) for Pain in Malleolar Zone Correct Answer: 1. Inability to Walk 4 Steps At Time of Injury and Currently.
2. Tenderness Over Posterior Edge of Either Malleolus.
3. Tenderness Over Navicular or Base of 5th Metatarsal.
Suspected Globe Rupture (Enophthalmos and Leakage of Vitreous Humor) Correct Answer: Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics (Tetanus If Necessary); Visual Acuity Assessment Before Consultation (Avoid Pressure Tonometry)
Trauma; Unilateral Eye Pain with Extra-Ocular Movement, Proptosis, Decreased Visual Acuity Correct Answer: Lateral Canthotomy for Retro-Bulbar Hematoma
Blunt Trauma; Unilateral Epistaxis (Maxillary), Subcutaneous Emphysema, or Anesthesia of Ipsilateral Infra-Orbital Region (V2) Correct Answer: Orbital Blowout Fracture (No Proptosis)
Anterior Chamber Meniscus Correct Answer: Hyphema (Blood) vs. Hypopion (Pus)
Management of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Correct Answer: Resolves Without Intervention
Gravid Female, Pulseless and Apneic for 2 Minutes; Detectable Fetal Heart Tones Correct Answer: Emergency C-Section (More Viable Than Gravid GSW with Undetectable Fetal Heart Tones)
Elderly Extension Injury; Decreased Bilateral Grip Strength Correct Answer: Steroids and Cervical M.R.I. for Central Cord Syndrome (Contusion from Buckling of Ligamentum Flavum)
Affected by L.X.-L.Y. Herniation Correct Answer: Y
(1) Jefferson Fracture of C1 (Image).
(2) Hangman Fracture of C2.
(3) Flexion Teardrop Fracture.
(4) Bilateral Facet Dislocation. Correct Answer: Unstable Fractures
Penetrating Trauma to Zone 1 (Sternal Notch to Cricoid Cartilage) Correct Answer: Angiography (4-Vessel CT), Triple Endoscopy, and Observation
Management of Hemodynamically-Stable Liver Laceration from Trauma Correct Answer: Conservative Management; No Emergency Laparotomy
Trauma Patient with Bloody Foley Correct Answer: C.T. with I.V. and Trans-Urethral Contrast
Chest G.S.W., Unconscious and Pulseless, Systolic of 60 Correct Answer: Emergency Thoracotomy (Lower Success Rates for Blunt Trauma)
In Breast, Out Axilla; Hemodynamically-Stable and Clear Breath Sounds Bilaterally; I.V. Access Obtained Correct Answer: (1) Bedside Ultrasound.
(2) Intubation and Chest Tube.
(3) Portable X-Ray; and,
(4) Admit to I.C.U.
Stab Wound in 10th Intercostal Space, Absent Breath Sounds; Dyspnea But Hemodynamically-Stable Correct Answer: (1) Chest Tube.
(2) Portable X-Ray.
(3) Abdominal C.T.
Decreased Sensation Over Lateral Palm Correct Answer: Median Nerve Injury from Distal Radius Fracture
Leg Externally-Rotated (And Abducted) Correct Answer: Femoral Neck Fracture (ER = RE)
Leg Internally-Rotated Correct Answer: Posterior Hip Dislocation
Popliteal Pain After Impact on Planted Foot; Pale Cold Foot, No Distal Pulses Correct Answer: Sedate and Reduce Without X-Rays
Eikenella Correct Answer: Aggressive Mouth Flora Requiring Prophylactic Lactam-Lactamase After Human Bite
Definitively Determines Entry and Exit Points Correct Answer: Forensic Specialist (Emergency Department Must Describe Wounds But Never Speculate)
Small Pneumo-Thorax on Chest C.T.; Hemodynamically-Stable Correct Answer: 100% Oxygen
Flexion and Compression of Vertebral Body, Resulting in Paralysis and Loss of Pain and Temperature Sensation Below Correct Answer: Anterior Cord from Anterior Spinal Artery Injury (From Anterior Flexion)
Severe Burns of Hands (Or Skull) and Heels; Risk of Cardiac Arrest or Loss of Consciousness Correct Answer: Deep Burns Distinguish Electrical Injury from Lightning
Hepatitis C Medication With Risk of Depression Correct Answer: S.S.R.I. Pretreatment for Interferon Alpha
Psychiatric Risk Associated with Breast Implants Correct Answer: Suicide
SAD PERSONS Correct Answer: 1. Male (Caucasian).
2. Age Under 20 or Over 50.
3. Depression.
4. Previous Attempt.
5. Ethanol or Drugs.
6. Rational Thought Loss (Psychosis).
7. Social Support Issues.
8. Organized Plan.
9. No Spouse or Significant Other (1 Point, All Others 2 Points).
10. Sickness or Injury.
Psychiatric Disorder With Greatest Risk of Suicide Correct Answer: Panic Disorder
Silent vs. Occult Suicide Correct Answer: Self-Neglect (Starvation) vs. Recurrent Accidents
2 Hours Post-Acetaminophen (Suicide Attempt), Refuses to Drink Activated Charcoal Correct Answer: N.G. Tube Avoids Pneumonitis
Contra-Indicated for Hydro-Carbon (Oil) Ingestions Correct Answer: Gastric Lavage
Belladonna Toxicity Correct Answer: Stigmine (Anti-Cholinesterase) for Anti-Cholinergic Poisoning: Hot (Hades), Blind (Bat), Red (Rose), and Mad (Hatter)
3 Contra-Indications for Activated Charcoal Correct Answer: 1. Bivalent Metal (Unable to Bind).
2. Unprotected Airway (Aspiration).
3. Caustic Ingestions Awaiting Endoscopy (Black Color).
Mechanism of Q.R.S. Prolongation (And Right Axis Deviation) vs. Sinus Tachycardia from Tri-Cyclic Anti-Depressant Correct Answer: Sodium Channel Blockade vs. Anti-Muscarinic
Management of Benzodiazepine Overdose Correct Answer: Intubate; Risk of Seizures from Flumazenil (Indicated for Iatrogenic Oversedation)
Treatment of Agitation and Sympathetic Tone from Cocaine Correct Answer: Benzodiazepine
A.B.G. 2 Hours After Aspirin Overdose Correct Answer: Slightly Alkalotic (Later Mixed), High Oxygen (Activation of Respiratory Centers)
Toxic Single Dose of Acetaminophen Correct Answer: 140 Milligrams Per Kilogram (Over 140 at 4 Hours Requires 140 mg/kg NAC)
Management of Acetaminophen Overdose Correct Answer: Early Charcoal; Rumack-Matthew Nomogram At Least 4 Hours Post-Ingestion
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fatigue, and Yellow-Green Halos Correct Answer: Digoxin
Mimics Clonidine Toxicity Correct Answer: Opioid Toxicity (Hypotension, Bradycardia, Bradypnea, Miosis)
Vin Rose Urine Correct Answer: De-Feroxamine (I.V. or I.M.) for Iron Toxicity
Antidote for Isoniazid vs. Beta-Blocker (Also CCB or Insulin) Correct Answer: Pyridoxine vs. Glucagon
(1) Brain Damage (Encephalopathy, Seizure, Sleep Disturbance, or Memory Deficits).
(2) Paresthesias or Wrist Drop.
(3) Colicky Abdominal Pain. Correct Answer: Lead Toxicity; Check for Lead Lines
Chocolate Brown Blood After Nitrites, Local Anesthetics, Dapsone (Dermatitis Herpetiformis), or Phenazopyridine (UTI) Correct Answer: Methylene Blue for Met-Hemoglobinemia
(1) Tall and Young. [Show Less]