ABCDE Flashcards
1
Q
What are signs of an airway obstruction?
A
- Noisy breathing
- No breath sounds
- Paradoxical chest and abdomen movements
- Use of accessory muscles
- Tracheal tug
- Posturing
- Cyanosis
2
Q
How can an airway obstruction be managed?
A
- Jaw thrust
- Head tilt, Chin lift (caution in C-spine injury)
- Suction
- Oropharyngeal/Nasopharyngeal airway
- Supraglottic airway
- ETT
3
Q
Describe the components of a breathing assessment
A
RATES Rate Auscultation Trachea Effort SaO2
4
Q
Describe the components of a circulation assessment
A
- colour and temperature of peripheries
- CRT (<2s is normal)
- state of veins
- pulse rate, quality, regularity, equality
- blood pressure
- assess end organ perfusion (conscious state, IDC output)
- auscultate
- look for haemorrhage on pt and in drains
- Insert IVC, take blood, give fluid
- ECG
5
Q
how can pulse pressure help differentiate types of shock?
A
- normal is 35-45mmHg
- Narrow indicates arterial vasoconstriction (cardiogenic or hypovolaemic shock)
- Wide indicates arterial vasodilation (anaphylaxis or sepsis)
6
Q
Describe the components of a disability assessment
A
- AVPU assessment
- Drug chart for CNS depressants
- Pupils
- BSL
7
Q
What is the treatment of hypoglycaemia in an unconscious pt?
A
- 50mL of 10% Dextrose IV every minute until consciousness is returned (up to 250mL)
- IM glucagon 1mg if no access
8
Q
Causes of Airway obstruction
A
Inside - Vomit/Blood/Secretions - Foreign Body Airway - Pharyngeal Oedema/infection - Epiglotittis - Laryngospasm/Bronchospasm Outside - CNS - Trauma
9
Q
Causes of acute respiratory distress
A
- Lung issues
- PTx
- PE
- infection/Aspirartion
- APO
- ARDS
- Exacerbation of Chronic condition (COPD/Asthma) - Decreased Resp Effort
- GBS/MG/MS
- Rib fracture - Decreased Resp Drive
- CNS - Metabolic
- Compensation for acidosis
10
Q
Describe the algorithm for managing choking (Foreign body airway obstruction)
A
Assess adequacy of cough
if effective cough: encourage coughing, send for help
if ineffective cough:
- unresponsive: send for help, start CPR
- if responsive give up to 5 back blows, if not effective then 5 chest thrusts. continue alternating blows/thrusts