CICM SAQ 2010.2 Q17
For each of the microbes listed below; list the most appropriate antibiotic(s) of choice for treatment of infection resulting from these organism.
Methanol
Methanol has a long history of causing toxicity. Famously in prohibition when bootleg alcohol or moonshine was produced, unfortunately this is still a problem today with local brews in countries with poor regulations. It is commonly known to cause blindness but it also can be lethal, particularly if the patient has deliberately ingested methanol with a suicidal intent.
Isopropanol
Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) causes the same effects as ethanol but is more potent. Commonly found in hand sanitisers, disinfectants, solvents, window cleaners and perfumes. Classically it causes an elevated osmolar gap without an anion gap and the patient smells of acetone. Fortunately care is largely supportive.
Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene Glycol is lethal when >1 ml/kg is ingested therefore any deliberate ingestion need prompt intervention. Commonly found in radiator coolants, antifreeze (concentrations>20%), de-icing solutions, solvents and brake fluids. Unfortunately these products can taste sweet making them appealing to children.
Ethanol
We are all familiar with Ethanol and maybe some of us wouldn't have been conceived without it. However, in your tox patient it causes synergistic CNS depression and even on its own in large doses can be potentially lethal.
CICM SAQ 2010.1 Q22
Questions 22.1. What piece of equipment is shown below? Outline the principle of operation of this equipment. 22.2. The following image shows the connector and a regulator for a Medical Wall Suction outlet. (a) What design features of the above…
Observation Ward
Observation ward is a short stay ward. Integral part of the emergency department
James Barry (Margaret Ann Bulkley)
Biography Born ‘Margaret Ann Bulkley’ Cork, Ireland 1809-1812 MD Edinburgh University 1813 – St Thomas Hospital, London; examined at the Royal College of Surgeons and recruited into the army Inspector-General of Hospitals Died 25 July 1865 Medical Eponyms Key Medical…
Red Dust, dingoes, trauma and Sepsis
Dr Chris Edwards @EMtraveller recounts his time as a remote retrieval registrar based in Alice Springs
MRaCC Alice Springs – a retrieval experience like no other!
This is a guest post by Dr Michelle Withers (@desertoak) On February 12th, 2018, a new and completely unique service went live in Alice Springs – the Medical Retrieval and Consultation Centre (MRaCC). The Central Australian Retrieval service has been…
Stuffed, Speeding and Busted!
Just before being busted by the cops, your patient stuffed a package containing metamphetamines into his mouth and swallowed. How are you going to handle this one?
EMA June 2012
Short editorial snippets from Vol. 24 Issue 3 of Emergency Medicine Australasia (EMA Journal) published online on 4 June 2012.