SAQ 1741 – Fever and dyspnoea with chest X-ray

Marked out of 11.00

A 34-year-old man presents with fever and difficulty breathing after six days of cough and rhinorrhoea. He weighs 136 kg and has never seen a doctor. His chest X-ray is shown below.

Portable chest X-ray for fever and dyspnoea
Chest X-ray.

List three radiographic abnormalities on the X-ray.

(Marked out of 3.0)


/ 3

List and justify four investigations that could help identify the cause of this presentation.

(Marked out of 4.0)


/ 4

His vital signs are shown below and you plan to intubate him. State four difficulties you may encounter establishing effective mechanical ventilation, and outline how you will manage each.

(Marked out of 4.0)

Finding Result
Heart rate 130/min
Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
Respiratory rate 36/min
Oxygen saturation 88% on 15 L/min oxygen via non-rebreather mask


/ 4

Total Score: 0 / 11

Percentage: 0%