SAQ Stack

Short Answer Questions for ED Fellowship Study

Case: Decompensated cirrhosis with ascites

A 57-year-old patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis presents with abdominal pain, tense ascites and fever. Vital signs are as follows :

  • HR 110
  • BP 100/60
  • Sats 97% RA
Termp 39°C

1. List four differential diagnoses for this presentation. 4 marks

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2. Other than patient consent, state four key steps in performing an ascitic tap. 4 marks

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After the procedure, the patient complains of worsening abdominal pain. Updated vitals : HR 120 BP 80/60 Sats 97% RA

3. State four steps in your immediate management priorities following clinical deterioration. 4 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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Your personal results and updated model answers become available the day after the tutorial.

After the tutorial you can still do the case and self-mark your answers, but your answers will not be included in the group review.