7 Determining the level of cardiovascular compromise

Question 1

mild compromise

Answer 1

Near normal vital signs e.g. near normal BP and CRT, normal LOC, normal or near normal breathing
* Mild symptoms of myocardial ischaemia
* ‘Looks status three’

Question 2

Mildly compromised

Answer 2

Near normal vital signs e.g. near normal BP and CRT, normal LOC, normal or near normal breathing
* Mild symptoms of myocardial ischaemia
* ‘Looks status three’

Question 3

Severely compromised

Answer 3

Markedly abnormal vital signs e.g. severe hypotension, inability to obey commands, severe shortness of breath
* High risk of cardiac arrest
* ‘Looks status one’

Question 4

Moderately compromised

Answer 4

• Abnormal vital signs e.g. hypotension or prolonged
  CRT, altered LOC but can obey commands, moderate shortness of breath
• Significant symptoms of myocardial ischaemia
• ‘Looks status two’