1–25

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Part 2 Cases 1–25

Case 1

Examination

He is hot and flushed with a temperature of 39.3°C. He does not appear distressed but is using accessory muscles of respiration. There is diminished chest expansion on the left with dullness to percussion, bronchial breathing and coarse crackles in the left lower zone posteriorly.

Pulse 104 beats/min
Respiratory rate 28 breaths/min
Blood pressure 118/70 mmHg
SaO2 (room air) 89%

Arterial blood gas On room air
23/7/2006
Unit no.: 00654545
ID: John Simpson   Normal
H+ 31.8 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.50 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2d 3.74 kPa (4.7–6.0)  
28.1 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 7.68 kPa (> 10.6)
57.8 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 23.9 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −0.5 mmol/L (–2–+2)
SPO2 88.7% (> 98%)
Lactate 1.2 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.7 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 138 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 99 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.2 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 15 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 5.4 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 2

History

A 34-year-old morbidly obese female with a body mass index of 49 has an ABG sample taken as part of her preoperative assessment for weight reduction surgery.

Apart from morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes, she is otherwise well and has no respiratory symptoms.

Arterial blood gas On air
14/01/2005
Unit no.: 55392088
ID: Marcella Plantagenet
  Normal
H+ 45 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.35 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 7.3 kPa (4.7–6.0)
54.8 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 9.6 kPa (> 10.6)
72.2 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 29 mmol/L (22–28)
BE +3.8 (−2−+2)
SPO2 96% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4 – 1.5)
K 4.7 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 134 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 102 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.2 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 13 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 9 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 3

Examination

She appears anxious and distressed. Her respiratory rate is elevated but chest examination is unremarkable and there are no clinical signs of deep-vein thrombosis. A chest X-ray reveals no abnormalities.

Pulse 88 beats/min
Respiratory rate 22 breaths/min
Blood pressure 124/76 mmHg
SaO2 (room air) 95%

23/7/2006
Unit no.: 00654545
ID: Jill Royds
  Normal
H+ 31.2 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.51 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 3.90 kPa (4.7–6.0)
29.3 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 10.3 kPa (> 10.6)
77.0 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 25.0 mmol/L (22–28)
BE +0.7 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SpO2 93.7% (> 98%)
Lactate 1.0 (0.4 – 1.5)
K 4.3 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 141 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 101 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.2 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 13 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 4.6 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 4

Examination

The patient is unresponsive with shallow respirations and bilateral pinpoint pupils.

Pulse rate 90 beats/min
Respiratory rate 5 breaths/min
Blood pressure 98/64 mmHg
SaO2 99%
BM 5.6 mmol/l

Arterial blood gas On 28% O2
18/09/2006
Unit no.: 6799986
ID: Henry Spasek
  Normal
H+ 65.4 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.18 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 8.2 kPa (4.7–6.0)
62 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 11.76 kPa (> 10.6)
87 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 22.4 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −1.5 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 99.8% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4–1.5)
K 4.4 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 137 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 103 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.16 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 11 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 3.9 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 5

Examination

The patient is struggling for breath and appears extremely distressed. He exhibits signs of chest hyperinflation and is breathing through pursed lips. Breath sounds are generally diminished but there are no added sounds.

Pulse 120 beats/min
Respiratory rate 26 breaths/min
Blood pressure 150/80 mmHg
Temperature 36°C
SaO2% 81%

Arterial blood gas On air
10/07/2005
Unit no.: 77655349
ID: Joseph Spielman
  Normal
H+ 39.5 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.40 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 4.9 kPa (4.7–6.0)
36 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 5.8 kPa (> 10.6)
44 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 23 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −1.2 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 80% (> 98%)
Lactate 1.0 (0.4–1.5)
K 4.1 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 137 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 99 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.1 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 16.5 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 3.8 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 6

Examination

Examination findings in the chest are unchanged but he now appears exhausted and slightly confused.

Pulse 120 beats/min
Respiratory rate 16 breaths/min
Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
SaO2 83% (on 28% O2)
Temperature 36°C

A repeat ABG is performed (6 hours after the first ABG).

Arterial blood gas On 28% O2
11/07/2005
Unit no.: 77655349
ID: Joseph Spielman
  Normal
H+ 51.4 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.29 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 6.9 kPa (4.7–6.0)
52 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 6.4 kPa (> 10.6)
48 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 24 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −0.9 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 84% (> 98%)
Lactate 1.0 (0.4–1.5)
K 4.0 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 137 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 99 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.1 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 16.5 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 4.2 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 7

Examination

She is agitated, distressed and pyrexial. A dull percussion note and coarse crackles are evident at both lung bases. Other than acute confusion, neurological findings are unchanged from admission.

Pulse 92 beats/min
Respiratory rate 28 breaths/min
Blood pressure 112/65 mmHg
SaO2 (60% O2) 92%

Arterial blood gas On 60% O2
23/7/2006
Unit no.: 00654545
ID: Mary Waters
  Normal
H+ 38.8 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.41 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 4.43 kPa (4.7–6.0)
33.2 mmHg (35-45)
PO2 8.67 kPa (> 10.6)
65.0 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 21.2 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −2.8 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 92.7% (> 98%)
Lactate 1.6 (0.4–1.5)
K 4.0 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 144 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 103 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.2 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 13 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 6.6 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 9

Examination

He is drowsy and barely rousable. He no longer appears to be in respiratory distress and his respiratory rate has fallen to 14 breaths/min. Chest examination is unchanged from previously.

Pulse 88 beats/min
Respiratory rate 14 breaths/min
Blood pressure 132/80 mmHg
SaO2 (room air) 96%

Arterial blood gas On 60% O2
23/7/2006
Unit no.: 00654545
ID: Hamish Roy
  Normal
H+ 50.8 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.29 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 8.7 kPa (4.7–6.0)
65.3 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 11.2 kPa (> 10.6)
84.0 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 30.3 mmol/L (24–30)
BE +4.7 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 96.2% (> 98%)
Lactate 1.2 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.6 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 144 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 102 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.2 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 16 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 5.0 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 10

Examination

She is tachypnoeic at 30 breaths/min, is using her accessory muscles of respiration and only just managing to speak in full sentences.

Auscultation of her chest reveals widespread polyphonic wheeze.

Pulse 115 beats/min
Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
SpO2 96% (room air)
Peak expiratory flow 160 L/s (predicted = 400 L/s)

Arterial blood gas On air
12/11/2005
Unit no.: 12639943
ID: Jessica Goldman
  Normal
H+ 42 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.38 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 5.8 kPa (4.7–6.0)
43 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 10.2 kPa (> 10.6)
76 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 24 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −1.3 mmol/L (−2_+2)
SaO2 96% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4 – 1.5)
K 4.0 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 140 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 99 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.12 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 13.0 g/dL (11.5–15.5)
Glucose 5 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 11

Examination

The patient appears frightened and extremely distressed. Other than tachypnoea and a mild sinus tachycardia, cardiorespiratory examination is unremarkable. Electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and peak flow measurements are all normal.

Pulse 96 beats/min
Respiratory rate 36 breaths/min
Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
SpO2 100%

Arterial blood gas On air
12/11/2006
Unit no.: 12534943
ID: Trinny Farqhuar
  Normal
H+ 29 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.53 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 3.14 kPa (4.7–6.0)
24 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 14.3 kPa (> 10.6)
108 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 24 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −1.8 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SaO2 99% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.5 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 140 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 99 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 0.9 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 12.0 g/dL (11.5–15.5)
Glucose 5 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 12

Examination

The patient is heavily contaminated with soot and smells strongly of smoke. Fortunately he has not sustained any thermal injuries. He appears to be confused and has just vomited.

Baseline observations are normal, with an oxygen saturation of 99% on 15 L O2 by mask.

Arterial blood gas On 15 L O2by mask
10/08/2005
Unit no.: 77634566
ID: Robert Jones
  Normal
H+ 44 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.36 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 4.5 kPa (4.7–6.0)
34 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 47 kPa (> 10.6)
353 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 18 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −5.5 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 100% (> 98%)
Lactate 2 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.6 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 145 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 103 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.1 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 14 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 4 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)
Carbon monoxide assay
CO 40% (non-smokers < 3%)
  (smokers < 10%)

Case 13

History

A 79-year-old female has just been admitted to the general surgical ward to have a large bowel tumour surgically removed.

The tumour was discovered at colonoscopy after she presented to her doctor with a six month history of rectal bleeding.

On admission she appears to be severely short of breath and extremely tired. Further questioning reveals that her rectal blood loss has been no greater than usual.

Pulse 100 beats/min
Blood pressure 100/80 mmHg
Respiratory rate 24 breaths/min
SaO2% (on air) 100%

Arterial blood gas On air
06/06/2005
Unit no.: 943778
ID: Ethyl Swainson
  Normal
H+ 32.3 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.49 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 3.31 kPa (4.7–6.0)
25 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 11.9 kPa (> 10.6)
89 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 22 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −2 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 99.8% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.8 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 138 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 96 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.17 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 6.8 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 3.9 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 14

Examination

On examination, the patient is haemodynamically stable with warm, well-perfused peripheries. Despite severe abdominal discomfort, abdominal examination is relatively unremarkable: the abdomen is soft in all four quadrants and is only tender on deep palpation. No hernias or aneurysms are palpable and rectal examination is unremarkable.

An abdominal and erect chest X-ray are taken and found to be normal.

During the course of the examination her clinical condition deteriorates and she is moved to the resuscitation area.

Arterial blood gas On 10 L O2by mask
10/08/2006
Unit no.: 7734211
ID: Susan Ulrik
  Normal
H+ 52.5nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.28 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 4.39 kPa (4.7–6.0)
33 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 28.6 kPa (> 10.6)
215 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 16.2 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −10.4 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 99.8% (> 98%)
Lactate 3.2 (0.4–1.5)
K 4.6 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 135 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 96 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.16 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 12 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 3.8 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 15

Examination

On examination, she appears drowsy and peripherally shut-down, with very dry mucous membranes. Her breath smells of acetone and her respirations are deep and sighing.

Pulse 130 beats/min
Blood pressure 100/60 mmHg
Respiratory rate 26 breaths/min
BM (blood glucose) > 25 mmoL/L

Physical examination of her chest and abdomen is unremarkable.

Arterial blood gas On 10 L O2by mask
27/02/2005
Unit no.: 77735566
ID: Isla Tanner
  Normal
H+ 88.9 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.05 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 1.5 kPa (4.7–6.0)
11 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 28.4 kPa (> 10.6)
187 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 6.0 mmol/L (24–30)
BE −25.2 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 99.8% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4–1.5)
K 4.6 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 141 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 96 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.25 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 12 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 35 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 16

Examination

The patient is unkempt with a significantly reduced conscious level (Glasgow coma scale score = 9). There are no apparent focal neurological abnormalities.

Arterial blood gas On air
10/07/2006
Unit no.: 35477899
ID: Gary Souness
  Normal
H+ 63.3 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.20 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 3.3 kPa (4.7–6.0)
25 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 12.8 kPa (> 10.6)
96 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 9.5 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −16.2 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 97.8% (> 98%)
Lactate 1.3 (0.4–1.5)
K 4.5 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 136 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 99 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.1 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 13.5 g/dL (13–18)
Glucose 3.8 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 17

Examination

The patient is well and clinical examination reveals no abnormalities.

As part of the investigations an ABG is obtained.

Arterial blood gas On air
23/04/2006
Unit no.: 27634943
ID: Roger Parry
  Normal
H+ 43 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.37 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 4.2 kPa (4.7–6.0)
31.5 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 13.2 kPa (> 10.6)
99.0 mmHg (>80)
Bicarb 18 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −7 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 99% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.0 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 137 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 109 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.0 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 13.0 g/dL (11.5–15.5)
Glucose 4 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 18

Examination

On examination, she is mildly confused. Her respirations are increased in both rate and depth. Examination is otherwise unremarkable.

Pulse 100 beats/min
Respiratory rate 26 breaths/min
Blood pressure 132/100 mmHg
Temperature 37.6°C
O2% 99%

Arterial blood gas On air
10/09/2006
Unit no.: 27634943
ID: Libby Farqhuar
  Normal
H+ 38.8 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.41 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 3.01 kPa (4.7–6.0)
22.6 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 14.1 kPa (> 10.6)
97.5 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 17.6 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −8.3 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 99% (> 98%)
Lactate 1.4 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.6 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 140 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 99 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.2 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 13.0 g/dL (11.5–15.5)
Glucose 5 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 20

Examination

The patient has a Glasgow coma scale score of 3 and appears pale and mottled. The cardiac monitor reveals an agonal rhythm as shown below. No pulses are palpable and there is no respiratory effort. He is currently being ventilated by a bag and mask on 15 L/min of O2.

Arterial blood gas On 15 L O2by bag mask
10/02/2004
Unit no.: 42333993
ID: David King
  Normal
H+ 160 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 6.8 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 4.8 kPa (4.7–6.0)
36 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 32 kPa (> 10.6)
240 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 3.8 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −20 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SO2 100% (> 98%)
Lactate 9 (0.4–1.5)
K 4.5 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 136 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 96 mmol/L (95–105)
Ca+ 1.1 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 14.0 g/dL (13.5–18.5)
Glucose 4 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 22

Examination

The patient appears dehydrated with reduced skin turgor and dry mucous membranes.

Abdominal examination is unremarkable.

Pulse 100 beats/min
Respiratory rate 10 breaths/min
Blood pressure 160/100 mmHg
Temperature 36.6°C
O2% 96%

Arterial blood gas On air
23/08/2006
Unit no.: 27634943
ID: Jenny Alegranza
  Normal
H+ 36 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.44 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 6.4 kPa (4.7–6.0)
48 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 11.1 kPa (> 10.6)
83 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 32 mmol/L (22–28)
BE +4 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 96% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.0 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 133 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 91 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.0 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 11.0 g/dL (11.5–15.5)
Glucose 5 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 24

Examination

On examination, the patient is heavily pregnant but appears otherwise well. Examination of her chest reveals no abnormalities.

Pulse 110 beats/min
Respiratory rate 20 breaths/min
Blood pressure 112/100 mmHg
Temperature 36.6°C
O2% 99%

An ABG is performed.

Arterial blood gas On air
18/08/2005
Unit no.: 27634943
ID: Julie Donaldson
  Normal
H+ 35 nmol/L (35–45)
pH 7.45 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 4.9 kPa (4.7–6.0)
35 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 4.7 kPa (> 10.6)
35 mmHg (35–45)
Bicarb 24.0 mmol/L (24–30)
BE 2 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 74% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.6 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 138 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 104 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.14 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 13.0 g/dL (11.5–15.5)
Glucose 5 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)

Case 25

Examination

The patient appears well but slightly short of breath. Other than mild tachycardia and tachypnoea, examination of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems yields no positive findings and there is no clinical evidence of deep-vein thrombosis.

A chest X-ray reveals no abnormalities and an electrocardiogram shows only sinus tachycardia.

Pulse 98 beats/min
Respiratory rate 20 breaths/min
Blood pressure 160/100 mmHg
Temperature 36.6°C
O2% 99%

Arterial blood gas On air
10/08/2006
Unit no.: 27634943
ID: Jill Archerson
  Normal
H+ 36 nmol/L (35–45)  
pH 7.43 (7.35–7.45)
PCO2 4.9 kPa (4.7–6.0)
37 mmHg (35–45)
PO2 12.1 kPa (> 10.6)
91 mmHg (> 80)
Bicarb 25.8 mmol/L (22–28)
BE −1.8 mmol/L (−2−+2)
SPO2 99% (> 98%)
Lactate 1 (0.4–1.5)
K 3.8 mmol/L (3.5–5)
Na 136 mmol/L (135–145)
Cl 99 mmol/L (95–105)
iCa+ 1.2 mmol/L (1–1.25)
Hb 10.0 g/dL (11.5–15.5)
Glucose 5 mmol/L (3.5–5.5)