SAQ 1362 – Epigastric stab wound with shock and ventilation difficulty

Marked out of 22.00

A 25-year-old man is brought to ED after a single stab wound to the epigastrium. There are no other injuries. He appears pale, sweaty and agitated.

Observation Value
GCS 14: E4 V4 M6
Pulse 125/min
Blood pressure 75/40 mmHg
Oxygen saturation 94% on 15 L oxygen via non-rebreather mask

List your two most important radiological investigations and, for each, provide two significant positive or negative findings.

(Marked out of 6.0)


/ 6

List four principles of your fluid resuscitation strategy.

(Marked out of 4.0)


/ 4

List three indications for urgent thoracotomy in the operating theatre.

(Marked out of 3.0)


/ 3

List three indications for intubating this patient in the ED.

(Marked out of 3.0)


/ 3

List six possible causes of the high peak airway pressures.

(Marked out of 6.0)

The patient requires intubation in the ED. Shortly after intubation, the ventilator alarms because of high peak airway pressures.


/ 6

Total Score: 0 / 22

Percentage: 0%