SAQ Stack

Short Answer Questions for ED Fellowship Study

Case: Alcoholic ketoacidosis with mixed acid-base disorder

A 63-year-old woman with alcohol use disorder presents with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting after heavy alcohol intake. A venous blood gas is performed. pH 7.14 pCO2 24 HCO3 11 Na 145 K 5.5 Cl 98 Lactate 2.6 Glucose 3.2 Hb 140

1. Identify the metabolic acid-base abnormalities and provide calculations. 6 marks

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2. List three additional blood tests with rationale. 3 marks

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On examination, the patient is confused. She has a soft abdomen with mild generalised tenderness but no peritonism. There are no features of sepsis. Her vitals are as follows : GCS 14 T 36.5 HR 120 BP 85/55 RR 30

3. State three steps in initial management. 3 marks

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This case forms part of a collaborative marking project designed to support fellowship preparation. In the week leading up to each tutorial, you can contribute answers to any active case. If you contribute, your answers may be reviewed, marked, and used to refine the model answers during the weekly fellowship teaching sessions.

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