Scenario
A 38 year old man collapses while playing squash. He spontaneously recovers during transport by ambulance. He has no known past medical problems. His observations are: BP 120/70, GCS 15, O2 sat 100% on 6L/min. An ECG is shown.
Question
a. Describe this ECG. (50%) b. Outline this patient’s disposition and explain why. (50%)
Answer
FACEM VAQ Exam 2003.1 – Question 1
- The overall pass rate for this question was 64 / 83 (77.1%).
- ECG showed atrial flutter with variable block.
- The examiners expected an accurate description of the rhythm and a plan to admit to a monitored bed with justifications for doing so (such as unstable rhythm or high grade block).
- Failures were due to ECG misinterpretation or giving a treatment plan when disposition and why was asked for.
ACEM Fellowship Visual Aid Questions
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