SAQ Stack

Short Answer Questions for ED Fellowship Study

Case: Retrieval of polytrauma patient

You are a member of a retrieval team tasked by helicopter to retrieve a 25-year-old patient from a small peripheral country hospital to a major trauma centre. The pilot estimates a flight time of 1.5 hours. The patient has been involved in a motorbike accident with chest bruising, right upper quadrant pain and an open left femoral fracture. Observations: RR 22, sats 96% on 2 L nasal cannula, HR 100, BP 100/50, GCS 14/15.

1. State five methods to reduce the risk of ongoing blood loss in this patient. 5 marks

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On your arrival, you perform an eFAST examination during which you find a loss of lung sliding on the right side of the chest.

2. List two absolute indications for chest drain insertion prior to transfer for this patient. 2 marks

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3. List five other factors you would consider when deciding whether to insert a chest drain. 5 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.