FCA1-0277
If the speed of an ultrasound in soft tissue is 1540 meters per second, what is the estimated wavelength produced if the frequency of a generated ultrasound is 10 megahertz?
Archives: FRCA Part 1
FCA1-0270
Arterial pressure waveforms give an indication of the operation of the heart and the patient’s clinical state. Which of the following listed characteristics of arterial waveforms is most indicative of myocardial contractility?
FCA1-0271
A 23-year-old man, has just undergone surgery under general anaesthesia. He has experienced a severe reaction to the anaesthetic agent resulting in malignant hyperthermia (MH) for which he has been referred for treatment. What investigation can be conducted to determine a patient’s susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia?
FCA1-0272
A 28-year-old man is admitted to the critical care unit. He has been diagnosed with adult respiratory distress syndrome and is being ventilated. His haemodynamic condition is improved using a pulmonary artery flotation. His readings are listed below: Haemoglobin concentration: 10 g/dL, Mixed venous oxygen saturation: 70%, Mixed venous oxygen tensions (PvO2): 50 mmHg. Estimate his mixed venous oxygen content (mL/100mL).
FCA1-0273
A 32-year-old male is admitted to the critical care unit. He has suffered a heroin overdose and requires intubation and ventilatory support. What would be his predicted total static compliance (lung and chest wall) measurements.
FCA1-0266
An 84-year-old woman has a fall. She fractures the neck of her femur and requires emergency surgery. On history and examination, she appears to also have a possible heart failure for which an echocardiogram is scheduled. Her measurements are: End-diastolic volume: 40mL (70-240), End-systolic volume: 30mL (16-140). Calculate her approximate ejection fraction.
FCA1-0267
A 64-year-old man is admitted to the critical care unit. He has a recent medical history of faecal peritonitis for which a laparotomy was performed. His vitals have been monitored using an invasive pulmonary artery flotation catheter. His vital readings are: Temperature: 38.1°C. Blood pressure: 79/51 mmHg (mean 58 mmHg), Pulmonary artery pressure: 19/6 mmHg (mean 10 mmHg). Pulmonary capillary occlusion pressure: 5 mmHg, Central venous pressure: 12 mmHg, Cardiac output: 5 L/min, Mixed venous oxygen saturation: 82%. Calculate his approximate pulmonary vascular resistance. Note: A correction factor of 80 is require to convert mmHg to dynes·s·cm-5
FCA1-0268
A 73-year-old woman is admitted to the coronary care unit. She has been diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction and has gone into a cardiogenic shock. As part of her treatment, she is prescribed a dobutamine infusion and placed on full haemodynamic monitoring. Over the next four days, her measurement are: Day1 Day2 Day3 Day4 Infusion rate of dobutamine (mcg/kg/min): 5, 10, 15, 25. Cardiac output (L/min): 3.4, 3.2, 3.1, 3.2. Pulse rate (beats/min): 110, 112, 105, 100. Blood pressure (mmHg): 80/60, 75/61, 83/60, 81/56. Haemodynamic changes are noted as a result of response to treatment. What is the most probable cause?
FCA1-0269
A 19-year-old woman presents to the emergency department. She complains of symptoms indicative of an acute exacerbation of known ‘brittle’ asthma. On history, she reveals her asthma is normally controlled using inhalers and she has never had an acute exacerbation requiring hospitalisation. On her admission into the ICU, further examination and diagnostic investigations are conducted. Her readings are: Physical state: Alert, anxious and non-cyanotic. Respiratory rate: 30 breaths/min, Pulse: 120 beats/min, Blood pressure: 150/90 mmHg, SPO2: 95% on air. Auscultation: Quiet breath sounds at both lung bases. What is the next most important step of investigation?
FCA1-0264
Which of the following options will cause an artificial increase in pulse oximeter (SpO2) readings?