65-year-old male day 11 post attempted anterior cervical spinal fixation complicated by arterial bleeding not controlled by attempted stenting and required sternotomy and thoracotomy and suturing of bleeding points. Course in ICU complicated by ventilator-associated pneumonia and failed extubation. Background history of ankylosing spondylitis and life-long low BMI. Clinical findings included severe generalised wasting.
Candidates were asked to examine him with a view to making a plan for weaning.