SAQ Stack

Short Answer Questions for ED Fellowship Study

Case: Nitrous oxide inhalation injury

A 21-year-old man presents one hour after inhaling nitrous oxide directly from a medical-grade canister. He develops throat and chest pain with coughing. Vitals on arrival : GCS 15, Temp 36.7, HR 112, BP 118/75, RR 28, Sats 98% RA

Nitrous oxide inhalation injury

1. Please describe and interpret the relevant image findings. 2 marks

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2. With regard to his chest pain, list three possible complications of acute barotrauma. 3 marks

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He remains clinically stable during the rest of your shift and is awaiting transfer to ICU for ongoing airway observation.

3. List four changing clinical features that should prompt re-discussion with anaesthetics. 4 marks

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4. List three relative contraindications to nitrous oxide use during procedures. 3 marks

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5. Give three commonly used slang terms for recreational nitrous oxide in Australia. 3 marks

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6. List three complications of chronic nitrous oxide misuse. 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.

All responses are displayed anonymously or using anonymised avatars. You remain in full control of your answers and may withdraw them at any time.

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.