Question 15 AnswerDr Mechelle Smith

1. What is this device ? (1 mark)

Laryngeal Mask Airway

2. Describe 2 clinical situations when you might consider using this device in ED? (2 marks)

Cardiac Arrest Failed intubation

3. How can you confirm the placement of this device? (3 marks)

It should rise when cuff inflated Air entry to both lung fields Capnography

4. Describe clinical situations when this device would be inappropriate/ contraindicated. (5 marks)

Non-fasted patients Morbidly obese patients Pregnancy Obstructive or abnormal lesions of the oropharynx Increased Airway resistance and decreased lung compliance

A 55 year old woman presents by ambulance. This is her appearance upon arrival in ED:

a. List 3 differential diagnoses.

Angioedema, Anaphylaxis, Trauma (haematoma)

b. List 5 features of her medical history that are particularly important to ask about.

Allergy history, medication history, family history of similar events, previous episodes and how managed

c. State your first 5 management steps.

Resus with full monitoring, Adrenaline neb(5mg) and/or IM (.3-.5mg), urgent airway call (anaesthetics/ICU), difficult airway and surgical airway kit at bedside, optimise current airway by positioning, IV access, supplemental O2 if hypoxia

You are working in the resus room on a patient who is intubated and has capnography attached.

What are four uses/indications of capnography in intubated patients?

Verification of ET tube placementTitrating ETCO2 levels in patients (eg in patients with increased ICP)Determining adequacy of ventilationContinuous monitoring of tube location during transportGauging the effectiveness of resuscitation and prognosis during cardiac arrest

A 35 year old man is flown in by air ambulance after being found unconscious in a remote area of bushland in winter. He is in asystole and the ambulance officers are currently performing CPR. His Temp is 28.6°C.

a. What is the current advanced life support algorithm? (3 marks)

Detail in yellow box:o Need Adrenaline doseso Reversible causes

b. What are the major modifications needed to be made to this algorithm in the case of unintentional (environmental) hypothermia? (3 marks)

Start and continue ALS until patient is rewarmed (Temp ≥ 32°C) unless other obvious lethal injuries present

Withhold drugs until temp ≥ 30° C then double interval between giving drugs until temp ≥32°C

Can defibrillate initially 3 x if in VF/VT but then cause (as no effect) until temp ≥30°C Main therapy is re-warming

c. Name 2 methods of each:i. Passive external rewarming

ii. Active external rewarming4 marks (2 each)

iii. Passive external rewarming Warm environment Remove wet clothes and dry patient Insulation blankets Warm blankets

iv. Active external rewarming Warmed and humidified air/O2 Warm forced air blanket Heat packs to torso/armpits/groin

d. Describe 3 methods of active internal rewarming (3 marks; includes at least 1 method of lavage)

Warmed IV fluids (43°C) – 1-1.5°C/hr Lavage

o Gastric – NGT warmed fluido Bladder – IDC warmed fluido Peritoneal – warmed fluid in/out peritoneal cavityo Pleural – warmed fluid in/out of pleural cavity same side; one ICC upper

chest, one lower Extracorporeal warming – ECMO 8-12°C/hr

. a. List 4 indications for endotracheal intubation. (4 marks)

To create and airwayTo maintain an airwayTo protect an airwayTo provide for mechanical ventilation

From Cameron, Textbook Adult Emergency Medicine 2009, p 20

b. List 2 indications for non-invasive ventilation. (1 mark)

Acute pulmonary oedemaRespiratory failure (will accept COPD as alternative)

Cameron, p21

c. List 4 contra-indications to NIV. (2 marks)

ComaCombative patientInability to tolerate tight-fitting maskLack of trained staff to institute and monitor NIV

d. What is the mechanism of action of NIV? (3 marks)

Controlled FiO2 at set positive pressure – Recruits alveoli that were closed improving VQ matchIncreases pulmonary compliance, decreasing work of breathing

A 4 year old boy is brought to your ED having sustained a 4cm eyebrow laceration following a fall at a playground. He is accompanied by his mother.

You plan to suture the wound under procedural sedation using ketamine.

a. List 8 contraindications to ketamine use in this setting. (4 marks)

1/2 mark each up to 4 marks from the following:Parental refusalProcedural required unsuitable for ketamine sedationInadequate staffing / area / equipmentPrevious adverse reaction to KetamineAltered conscious stateUnstable patient: seizures, vomiting, hypotensionCardiovascular disease - heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, congenital heart diseaseProcedures involving stimulation of posterior pharynxKnown airway instability or tracheal abnormalityPsychosisThyroid disorder or medicationPorphyriaRisk of raised intraocular or intracranial pressureActive pulmonary infection or disease including acute asthma and URTIFull meal within 3 hours (relative contraindication only, balance risk against urgency of procedure)

b. List 4 potential side effects/complications associated with ketamine use in this setting. (2 marks)

1/2 mark each up to 2 marks from the following:Airway obstructionNystagmusMuscle rigidityRandom movements (can resemble seizure like activity)Vomiting (during or after procedure)Emergence phenomena ApnoeaFailed procedure (need for a General Anaesthesia)Hypersalivation

c. Complete the following table regarding ketamine usage in paediatric procedural sedation by route of delivery. (4 marks)

1/2 mark for each correctly completed table cell - only 1 example for advantage / disadvantage by route required for mark - longer list of acceptable answers re: adv/disad examples only in table

Intra-muscular (i.m) Intra-venous (i.v)Initial dose 4 mg/kg 1 - 1.5 mg/kg

Top-up dose 2 mg/kg 0.5 mg/kgAdvantage Nil iv required, as safe as iv

Longer action etc.More predictable, easier top-up,

quicker onset etc.

Disadvantage Pain / distress on injection, less predictable etc.

iv line required, quicker offset etc.

All answers taken from PMH Emergency Department guideline on Ketamine Sedation

a. What patient factors may make rapid sequence intubation difficult or impossible? (3 marks)

Upper airway obstructionDistorted facial or neck anatomy (congenital or acquired)Poor cervical mobility (acute or chronic)

b. What alternatives should be considered in these cases? (2 marks)

Awake fibre-optic intubation under local anaesthetic Awake surgical airway (cricothyroidotomy or tracheostomy)

c. List the steps of preparation for rapid sequence induction. (5 marks)

Staff – assemble skilled team, call for expert help if required (anaesthetics/ENT)

Equipment – appropriate size laryngoscope, ETT, syringe, tape, suction, oxygen, airway adjuncts and rescue plan for can’t intubate/can’t ventilate,

Drugs – induction and paralysis agents, pressor, IV fluids with multiple, secure access.

Patient – assess airway and C-spine, fasting status, allergies, medications; pre-oxygenate, optimise position

Monitoring – continuous ECG monitoring, pulse oximetry, BP monitoring and end-tidal CO2 monitor

a. Name 2 indications for electrical defibrillation. (2 marks)

VFPulseless VT

b. Name 2 areas to avoid placement of pad. (2 marks)

Areas to avoid- ecg electrodesMedication patchesBreast tissueImplanted pacemaker/ICD (at least 12-15 cm away)

(any two)

c. Name 4 complications of defibrillation. (4 marks)

1. Skin burns2. Myocardial injury and post defibrillation arrhythmias3. Skeletal muscle injury /thoracic vertebral fracture4. Electrical injury to the health care provider

d. How will you optimise transthoracic impedance while using a defibrillator for an adult patient? (2 marks)

1. Use pads 10-13 cm in diameter2. Use conductive pads or electrode gels3. Perform defibrillation when the chest is deflated(during expiration)4. Apply pressure of 5kg for manual defib pads

a. Name composition of normal saline and Ringer’s lactate. (2 marks)

Normal Saline – Sodium 154 mmol,CL 154, K+ 0, Ca++ 0Hartmann’s – Sodium 131mmol, Chloride 111mmol, K+ 5mmol, Ca++ 2 mmol, Lactate 29mmol

b. What are the targets to titrate fluid therapy? (4 marks)

Any 4 from the following –Physiological – SBP 90, MAP > 65mmHg, HR <100Perfusion – UOP > 0.5ml/kg/hour, Lactate <2mmol, resolving base deficit, Cap refill < 4sInvasive measurement – CI >2.5 L/min/m2, PAOP > 15 mmHg.

c. What are the complications of fluid therapy? (4 marks)

Any 4 from the following -Hypothermia after large volumes of fluid therapyCoagulopathy due to dilutionTissue oedema – limb and abdominal compartment syndromePulmonary oedemaHyperchloraemic acidosis with NSAnaphylaxis to synthetic colloids /blood transfusion

. A 72 year old diabetic female is brought to your Emergency Department by ambulance. She complains of feel generally unwell for the last two days with abdominal pain, cough and fevers.

Vitals signs:Pulse 121 /minBP 89/58 mmHgRR 28 /minSats 89 % Room AirTemp 39.8 oC

a. List 3 key steps in this patient’s management. (3 marks)

Resuscitation - 1/2 markScreening / diagnosis e.g. blood cultures / biochemistry etc. - 1/2 markAntibiotics - broad spectrum cover required - 1 mark1/2 mark each for any two of:

Source ControlMonitoringDisposition Boundary of Care

b. List your resuscitation goals for the first 6 hours. (4 marks)

1 mark each up to 4 marks from:CVP 8-12 mmHgMAP >65 mmHgUrine output >0.5ml/kg/hrCentral venous sats >70% or mixed venous sats >65%Lactate clearance

c. The patient requires inotropic haemodynamic support. Which inotrope should be used? (1 mark)

Noradrenaline - 1 markd. The patient is intubated for respiratory failure. List the four key components of your ventilation strategy for this patient? (2 marks)1/2 mark for each of :

Tidal volume 6ml/kgPlateau pressure <30 cm H2OPEEP Titrated to FiO2 Minimum 5 cm H2O - Maximum 24 cm H20FiO2 Titrated to Sats 88-95% or PaO2 55-80 mmHg

Answers taken from Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guideline for Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock 2012 and ARDSnet NIH NHLBI ARDS Clinical Network Mechanical Ventilation Protocol Summary

An elderly man collapses and is unresponsive at a shopping centre.

He receives prompt BLS from bystanders, then defibrillation from an AED prior to the arrival of the ambulance 10 minutes post-arrest. He is found to be in VF and does not revert with defibrillation by the ambulance crew. He is transported to the ED, where he is still pulseless and the monitor shows this rhythm.

What are your immediate actions? (8 marks)

Assume leadership, delegate rolesEnsure continuous BLS provided throughoutManual biphasic shock 200JContinue CPR 2 minutesDuring CPR:Check electrode positionSecure IV accessAdrenaline 1mg and repeat after second shock and every second loopCorrect reversible causes (4Hs,4Ts)Advanced airwayAmiodarone 300mg after 3rd shockPost-resuscitation care/12-lead ECG/reperfusion

From ARC Resuscitation guideline, online, accessed 5/8/2014

You are the duty consultant. A 30 year old patient is being brought in by the paramedics as a Priority 1 patient (ETA 5 mins). He was found hanging by his friend at home. Initial rhythm was PEA. The paramedics have been working on the patient for 55 minutes and the patient has not regained circulation. You have been informed that patient is intubated and there is an IO access in.

a. How will you generally prepare for the patient’s arrival? (4 marks)

Likely to be a futile further resuscitationGather the team (medical, nursing, scribe)Prepare ALS drugs and airway equipmentDelegate the floor activities to the next seniorTriage staff to accompany next of kin to relative’s roomCreate a resus bed to receive the patient

b. A decision was made to call off the resuscitation attempt immediately after patient arrival. Describe the next steps you will take, (6 marks)

Leave all the lines and tubes in situDeath to be reported to the coronerInstruct staff not to handle the bodyLeave all evidence including clothing intactThorough and complete documentationInformation for next of kin/patient’s GP

. A 7 year old boy presents with acute respiratory distress. He is intubated in your department by a senior registrar as he has oxygen saturations of 84% on 15L oxygen via NRB mask and is tiring. You are called to the resuscitation room after intubation as his HR falls from 142 /min to 70 /min and oxygen saturations drop from 90% to 75% on 100% oxygen. He is attached to the Oxylog 3000 ventilator. The registrar reports a first pass intubation taking 40 seconds to complete.

a. List your top 6 differential diagnosis for this deterioration (6 marks)

Intubation issues: Anaphylaxis to induction agent, Tube misplacement (oesophageal/bronchial), Tube blockedVentilation issues: Ventilator settings inadequate/failure technical with e.g. gas trapping, pneumothoraxWorsening of underlying pathology

b. Outline your approach to the airway in the order that you would perform. (4 marks)

Disconnect from ventilator and bag mask for feel with 100% oxygenCheck ETT placement (ETCO2, auscultation)Suction ETTReintubate if suspected failed intubation

You have just intubated a 75 year old 60kg woman with deteriorating respiratory function after a fall causing isolated closed chest injuries. She has a history of COPD. She has become increasingly hypoxic and hypotensive since intubation. Your hospital does not have an intensive care unit.

a. List 8 causes for her deterioration (4 Marks)

AnaphylaxisVentilator failure / O2 disconnectETT misplacement / blockage Pneumothorax (iatrogenic or traumaticBreath stacking / hyperinflationLack of synchronisation / need for paralysisHaemothoraxWorsening pulmonary contusions

b. Her hypotension resolves although she has an ongoing high oxygen requirement and high ventilator peak pressures. You have a simple VOLUME cycled ventilator.List basic ventilator settings for this woman and outline your ventilation strategy. (4 Marks)

Lung protective ventilation. (1)Avoid volutrauma (1)Avoid barotrauma (0.5) Accept permissive hypercapnoea. (0.5) Use lowest FiO2 possible to avoid hypoxia.(0.25)Rate 6-10 min (0.25)TV 240-350mL (4-6mL/kg) (0.25)PEEP 10cm H20 (or higher) (0.25)

c. This woman needs to be transferred to a tertiary hospital for ongoing management. A retrieval team will arrive in 2 hours to transfer her by fixed wing. You do not need to supply staff for the retrieval. Outline how you would prepare for this transfer. (2 marks)

Communicate with receiving team – where is she going who will be responsible?(0.5)Prepare the patient – lines, medications, avoid pressure areas, ETT, catheter_(0.5Prepare notes / xrays_(0.5)Ongoing monitoring and care of patient while awaiting retrieval team (0.5)

A 33 year old woman is being managed in your ED with severe community acquiredpneumonia. She is morbidly obese, with an estimated weight of 180kg and height of 160cm.Her vital signs are:GCS 15Pulse 140 /minBP 90/45 mmHgRR 40 /minO2 sats 90% 15L/min O2 via non-rebreather maskTemp 38.5 degreesThe patient is becoming tired and you have assessed her as requiring intubation to maintainadequate oxygenation.1. In the section below, list 4 difficulties that you may encounter during the periintubationperiod. For each difficulty, briefly describe how you will aim to minimisethe problem. (8 marks)

Difficulty: _______________________________________________________Solution: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Difficulty: _______________________________________________________Solution: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Difficulty: _______________________________________________________Solution: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Difficulty: _______________________________________________________Solution: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Give the ventilator settings you would initially institute by completing the table.(5 marks)YOUR SETTINGFiO2Respiratory rateTidal volumePositive end-expiratory pressurePeak pressure

Each difficulty ó markó mark for each of 2 acceptable solutions with extra ó for specific consultant level answersPASS MARK – 6/81. Difficulty: hypotensionSolution: optimise haemodynamics pre-intubation – IV fluid boluses N/S 1000mL, bolus

metaraminol 0.5mg, aiming for systolic >90mmHgDifficulty: hypoxiaSolution: optimise pre-oxygenation, high flow nasal prongs in addition to BVM with tight seal,bag pt though apnoeic periodDifficulty: difficult intubation due to obesitySolution: positioning – ramp position (head up), 1-2 pillows under head, have backupintubation equipment ready – bougie, LMAs, large laryngoscopesDifficulty: difficulty ventilating ptSolution: well sedated and paralysed once intubated, head up to unload diaphragm, airwayadjuncts, ensure peak pressure limits, backup equipment, prepared for surgical airway if neededDifficulty: difficult BVMSolution: use of airway adjuncts – Guedels, nasopharyngeal airways, optimise position (asabove),*** one mark per identified problemOne mark for a sensible solutionQ2.YOUR SETTINGFiO21.0Respiratory rateSomething sensible – (14 – 25)Tidal volumeSomething sensible – (350 – 500 mL)Positive end-expiratory pressure5 – 10cmH2OPeak pressure limit35 – 40cmH2OPass 4/5Total pass 10/13 corrects to 7.5/10

A 75 year old man is brought to your ED with severe shortness of breath. You have assessedhim to have an infective exacerbation of COPD. You are considering non-invasive ventilation(NIV) as part of his management.1. List 4 contra-indications to NIV for COPD in the ED. (2 marks)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________After one hour of bi-level NIV, an arterial blood gas is performed:FiO2 0.5pH 7.26 mmHg (7.35 – 7.45)pCO2 86 mmHg (35 – 45)pO2 52 mmHg (60 – 100)HCO3 38 mmol/L (24 – 34)BE 7.1

pCO2 86 mmHg (35 – 45)pO2 52 mmHg (60 – 100)HCO3 38 mmol/L (24 – 34)BE 7.1 mmol/L (-3 – 3)You note that this result is very similar to the arterial blood gas performed on arrival.

2. List the pathological processes evident on the arterial blood gas, giving supportiveevidence. (4 marks)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. List the changes you would make to his NIV parameters as a result of the abovefindings. (2 marks)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MARKING SHEET Q 31.Decreased level consciousnessNot initiating own breathsVomitingLarge haemoptysisFacial abnormalitiesPt intoleranceNot appropriate level of care** 3 of above to pass***nb change to 2 marksEach response ó mark, pass 1.5/22.Acute on chronic respiratory acidosis – raised CO2, acidaemia indicates acute, but pH not lowenough for CO2 to be solely acute – therefore chronic process with chronic metabolic compensationMetabolic compensation – raised HCO3 and BE, chronic process2/4 to pass3.Increase iPAP - to increase TV and hence ventilation – to remove CO2Increase FiO2 or increase PEEP – to improve O2 (accept either but not both)2/2 to pass5.5/8 to pass corrects to 6.5/10

A 62 year old lady presents with difficulty breathing after eating dinner. She has a history ofischaemic heart disease.On arrival, her vital signs are:GCS 15Pulse 130 /minBP 85/45 mmHgO2 sats 98% room airHer photo is reproduced:

1. Briefly describe 2 abnormalities in the photo. (2 marks)2. What is your clinical interpretation of the information given? (2 marks)3. List 3 signs of impending airway obstruction in this patient. (3 marks)You have assessed the patient as not requiring immediate airway management.4. List your 2 main treatment steps. Give doses and endpoints. (4 marks)

MARKING SHEET Q 141.- severe tongue oedema occupying most of mouth, with tongue protrusion- oedema and erythema peri-orbital regions- pt looks palePass 1 of 22.- anaphylaxisAngio-oedema of tongue causing threatened airwayCardiovascular compromisePass 2 of 23.

StridorHypoxia / cyanosisIncreased work of breathingFatigue (decreased GCS)Pass 2 of 3

4.IV fluidNormal saline 1L bolus (20mL/kg) repeat if needed, aiming for systolic >90mmHg or MAP>65mmHgAdrenalineStat IM 500mcg, repeat Q 5min if neededIf deteriorating, IV boluses 50mcgInfusion start at 5-10mcg/minAiming for – systolic as above, reduction in angio-oedema1 mark for concept, 1 mark for detailsPass 3 of 4Total pass 8/11 corrects to 7/10

A 50 year old man presents to your ED with palpitations.On examination, you have found him to be in atrial fibrillation with arapid ventricular rate.1.List your criteria for consideration of this man for cardioversion in the ED. (4 marks)2.List 2 drugs you could use for chemical cardioversion. For each drug, give the dose and 2 contra-indications. (8 marks)Drug Dose Contra-indicationsThis 3. List 3 drugs you could use intravenously for rate control. For each drug, give the dose.(6 marks)4. How would you assess this man’s risk of thrombo-embolism? (1 mark)

MARKING SHEET Q 181.Haemodynamic instabilityDefinite onset AF within 24-48 hoursLack of known structural heart diseaseNon-chronic AFCorrectable or no clear precipitantPt preferencePass 2 of 42.Flecainide 2mg/kg – known LV dysfunction, intra-ventricular blocks (eg BBBs)Amiodarone 300mg – iodine allergy, hypotension, thyroid dysfunction, long QTSotalol 40 – 80mg – long QT, asthma, hypotension1 mark drug, 1 mark dose, 1 mark each contra-indicationPass 5 of 83.Metoprolol 2mg aliquots ,max 20mgVerapamil 2.5-5mg aliquots, max 20mgDigoxin initial loading dose 500mcg1 mark for drug, 1 mark for dosePass 4 of 64.Either CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-Vasc scoreNo passTotal pass 11/19 corrects to 5.5/10

A 12 year old boy has been brought to your ED after falling off a swing and injuring his wrist. The child weighs 40kg. Yourassessment has revealed a dorsally angulated fracture of the distal radius. The fracture needs manipulation and placement ina plaster cast. You have decided to perform this procedure in the ED.1.Give three different methods of procedural sedation for this patient. For each method, give two advantages and twodisadvantages. Give doses where appropriate. (15 marks)Method 1 _____________________________________________________________________Advantages _____________________________________________________________________Disadvantages _____________________________________________________________________

Advantages _____________________________________________________________________Disadvantages _____________________________________________________________________Method 3 _____________________________________________________________________Advantages ____________________________________________________________________

A 45yo male has become unresponsive a few seconds after receiving 500mcg of IM adrenaline for florid anaphylaxis (hypoxia, hypotension, welting, wheeze and tongue swelling) to snake bite antivenom.

(a) You elect to intubate using ketamine and suxamethonium (assuming that there are no contraindications). Complete the table by entering difficulties that you may anticipate and entering the immediate remedies that you’d institute for these.

Potential difficulty Remedy1. 1.2. 2.3. 3.4. 4.5. 5.

Answers Q4Potential difficulty Remedy1. Hypoxia from bronchospasm and airway obstruction from anaphylaxis

1. FiO2 100% preoxygenation, adrenaline, salbutamol, PPV (BVM)

2.Upper airway swelling from anaphylaxis obstructing a clear view to pass the ETT

2. Video-assisted intubation, suction, surgical airway, adrenaline infusion and neb if time permits

3. Able to intubate but hard to ventilate from bronchospasm from anaphylaxis

3. Adrenaline IV, High Pinsp, Long expiratory time (slow breath rate eg 8/min), Salbutamol MDI into the circuit, head elevated if BP permits

4. Laryngospasm from ketamine 4. Needle or surgical airway in dire circumstances, otherwise PPV with high Pinsp by BVM and suxamethonium 1.5 -2mg/kg

5. Hypotension from anaphylaxis 5. IV crystalloid replacement, adrenaline

Correct answer First 4, Pass is ¾

Question 5:

A 45yo male has become unresponsive a few seconds after receiving 500mcg of IM adrenaline for florid anaphylaxis (hypoxia, hypotension, welting, wheeze and tongue swelling) to snake bite antivenom.

(a) Outline the ventilation strategy that you will employ in this case.

Answer

5a. FiO2 100%. High Pinsp, Long expiratory time (slow breath rate eg 8/min), either volume cycled or pressure cycled or Bag ventilation until stabilized. Tolerate moderate hypercarbia_

Question 10:

A 55yo male farm hand attends with palpitations for 8 hours and is found to be in AF. He has no history of rheumatic fever, IHD, hypertension, valvular heart disease, previous cerebral ischaemia, peripheral vascular disease or diabetes. He is normotensive and has no ECG evidence of ischaemia. This is his first episode. Apart from the AF his echo is normal.

(a) Calculate his CHADS2 score(b) What is the purpose of this score(c) What is the purpose of the HASBLED score(d) In the table below List 4 pharmacologic management options for this

patient and list two clinically important pros (excluding hypersensitivity reactions) for each

Medication Pros Cons1. 1(i). 1(i)

1(ii) 1(ii)2. 2(i) 2(i)

2(i) 2(ii)3. 3(i) 3(i)

3(ii) 3(ii)4. 4(i) 4(i)

4(ii) 4(ii)

Answers 10

(a) CHADS2 score: one point each for a history of CHF, Hypertension, Age >75, Diabetes, previous stroke/TIA (maximum CHADS2 score = 6/6)

(b) The CHADS2 score is one of several risk stratification schema that can help determine the 1 year risk of an ischemic stroke in a non-anticoagulated patient with non-valvular AF.

(c) HASBLED Score: Estimates risk of major bleeding for patients on anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation.

(d)

Medication Pros Cons1. Metoprolol relatively up-titratable,

rate control only,long duration of effecthypotension, negative inotrope, CHF, asthma

2. Sotalol Chemical cardioversion, rate control, IV and PO

Hypotension, negative inotrope, CHF, asthmaProlongs the QT interval

3. Amiodarone Chemical cardioversion, Hypotension, Slows

rate control, IV and PO conduction, C/I in prolonged QT, long term side effects include thyroid dysfunction and altered TFTs, liver injury, corneal deposits, skin discolouration

4. Digoxin May be used for rate control when -blockers C/I eg poor LV functionPositive inotrope

Narrow therapeutic range, long T1/2 (several hours to achieve loading)Ineffective in moderate-high adrenergic states

5. Esmolol Highly titratable, rapid on/off-setChemical cardioversion

Experienced staff required to correctly titrate, hypotension, negative inotrope, CHF, asthma

6. Flecanide Oral, single dose chemical cardioversion

C/I if LV dysfunction, or IHD, induces polymorphic VTMay induce Atrial flutter at conversion

7. Verapamil/diltiazem IV/PO, rate control onlyAlternative to -blockers in asthmatics, safe in AF with WPW (with normal LV function)

C/I in CHF, hypotension, heart block

8. Procainamide Safe in AF with WPWIV loading

limited availability, hypotension, lupus antibodies,