Scenario
A 62 year old man with known chronic renal failure presents with respiratory failure, secondary to pulmonary oedema. Oxygen saturation is 89% on 100% oxygen utilizing bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP).
His observations are
An urgent Potassium level of 8.7 mmol/L (Reference Range: 3.5-4.9 mmol/L) has been recorded.
Question
Discuss rapid sequence induction in this man. (100%)
Answer
FACEM SAQ Exam 2005.2 – Question 6
- The overall pass rate for this question was 23/56 (41.1%).
- Pass Criteria
- Examiners noted that this was a challenging question that required far more than a simple description of an RSI template.
- In particular as a discuss question it required consideration of whether RSI was appropriate at all, alternative approaches, the clinical context of a patient with life threatening hyperkalaemia and the pros and cons of elements of RSI such as drugs, posture, haemodynamics etc.
- Features of unsuccessful answers
- Unqualified
ACEM Fellowship Short Answer Questions (SAQ)
About Mike Cadogan
