Sample interview questions: How do you handle patients who are in need of emergency thoracic aortic dissection repair?
Sample answer:
Assessing and Stabilizing the Patient:
- Obtain a quick assessment: Assess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs), noting any signs of shock (hypotension, tachycardia).
- Secure intravenous access: Establish two large-bore IV lines to administer fluids and medications.
- Administer fluids: Give fluids cautiously to maintain blood pressure and renal perfusion (avoid overloading).
- Monitor hemodynamic parameters: Continuously monitor blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, and pulse oximetry.
- Consider vasopressors: If hypotension persists despite fluids, consider vasopressors such as norepinephrine or vasopressin.
Pain Management and Sedation:
- Administer opioids: Provide IV opioids (e.g., morphine, fentanyl) for pain control.
- Sedate the patient: If the pain is severe or the patient is agitated, consider sedation with benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, midazolam).
Medical Management:
- Antihypertensive medications: Administer antihypertensives (e.g., nitroprusside, nitroglycerin) to control blood pressure and reduce shear stress on the aortic wall.
- Beta-blockers: Give beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol) to slow heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen… Read full answer
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