SAQ Stack

Short Answer Questions for ED Fellowship Study

Case: Prehospital entrapment

You are the retrieval doctor at a pre-hospital scene where there has been a single-occupant rollover MVA. The driver has been trapped for 2 hours by extensive compression of both legs by dashboard and steering column intrusion. He has chest and head injuries with GCS 7.

1. What are the potential physiologic consequences of rapid release of this patient’s legs? 2 marks

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2. What therapies could you use to mitigate these pathophysiological consequences? 3 marks

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On arrival at the nearby trauma centre, concerns are raised about the possibility of a bilateral lower leg compartment syndrome.

3. Outline a technique for measuring compartment pressures. 3 marks

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4. What pressure threshold would confirm suspicion of compartment syndrome? 1 mark

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The pa ent’s CK is 7000 IU/L. The renal registrar wants you to start a mannitol infusion to reduce renal injury from tubular deposi on.

5. List (3) disadvantages or adverse effects of mannitol in this context. 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.