PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a key component of treatment for hemoptysis?

1. Encourage coughing

2. Monitor oxygen levels

3. Stop the bleeding!

4. Administer steroids

The correct answer is: Stop the bleeding!

The management of hemoptysis, which is the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract, requires immediate and effective measures to address the cause of the bleeding. A crucial component of treatment is to stop the bleeding, as uncontrolled hemoptysis can lead to airway obstruction, respiratory distress, hypovolemic shock, and subsequent complications. Stopping the bleeding can involve several interventions, depending on the underlying cause. This may include bronchial artery embolization for vascular sources of bleeding, surgical intervention for resection of a hemorrhaging lesion, or addressing causes such as infections or tumors with appropriate medical treatments. The urgency in managing hemoptysis underscores the importance of promptly identifying the source and taking corrective actions to stabilize the patient, reduce morbidity, and improve outcomes. In contrast, while monitoring oxygen levels and administering steroids may be components of patient care for broader respiratory conditions, they do not directly address the primary concern of hemoptysis itself. Encouraging coughing, while sometimes beneficial in clearing secretions, may exacerbate bleeding in a patient experiencing significant hemoptysis. Therefore, focusing efforts on stopping the bleeding is paramount in the treatment plan for this condition.