Funtabulously Frivolous Friday Five 135
Just when you thought your brain could unwind on a Friday, you realise that it would rather be challenged with some good old fashioned medical trivia FFFF, introducing the Funtabulously Frivolous Friday Five 135
Question 1
What was the cause for the most fatalities at Pearl Harbour?
Reveal the funtabulous answer
NOT Thiopental (but the initial trauma or delayed hemorrhagic shock)
It has been a popular myth that Thiopental caused more deaths than the initial trauma but of the 344 patients admitted to the Tripler Army Hospital only 13 died. Thiopental was unlikely to have been responsible for all the deaths and we also know that large induction doses were used before the knowledge that very low doses are required in the shocked trauma patient. [Reference]
Question 2
What is Kehr Sign?
Reveal the funtabulous answer
Acute shoulder tip pain from intra-abdominal fluid or irritants.
It is classically supposed to indicate splenic rupture in the supine patient whose legs are raised and they feel left shoulder tip pain. However any cause of diaphragmatic irritation can cause this finding.
It has also been questioned whether Johannes Otto (Hans) Kehr (1862-1916) a German hepatobiliary surgeon), really documented this sign in his classic description.
- Klimpel V. Stammt das “Kehrsche Zeichen” von Hans Kehr? Eine quellenkritische Anmerkung [Does Kehr’s sign derive from Hans Kehr? A critical commentary on its documentation?]. Chirurg. 2004;75(1):80‐83.
Question 3
What metal did Buddy Ebsen (the original Tin Man) react to?
Reveal the funtabulous answer
Aluminium
He developed an allergic reaction and became short of breath forcing him to reprise the role. [Reference]
Question 4
Any guesses for what the Heidelberg Electric Belt is for?
Reveal the funtabulous answer
Impotence
Although not sure getting an electric shock to your genitalia would work there was enough recommendations that a mark II version was made. [Reference]
Question 5
During a traumatic resuscitation a thoracotomy maybe performed. One of the injuries that maybe corrected in experienced hands is a pulmonary vein haemorrhage. Who famously died of this injury?
Reveal the funtabulous answer
Princess Diana
Famously used as a case to underlie the importance of quick transfers to hospital as opposed to roadside resuscitation. [Reference]
FFFF
Funtabulously Frivolous Friday Five
Dr Neil Long BMBS FACEM FRCEM FRCPC. Emergency Physician at Kelowna hospital, British Columbia. Loves the misery of alpine climbing and working in austere environments (namely tertiary trauma centres). Supporter of FOAMed, lifelong education and trying to find that elusive peak performance.