ACLS / PALS Flashcards
Mild Respiratory Distress
Mild Tachypnea
Mild increase in WOB: nasal flaring, retractions
Abnormal AW Sounds: Stridor, wheezing
Severe Respiratory Distress
Marked tachypnea
A marked increase in WOB
Paradoxical Breathing: Seesaw
Accessory muscle use: head bobbing
Abnormal AW Sounds: Grunting
Decreased LOC
Impending Respiratory Arrest
Bradypnea, apnea, or respiratory pauses
Low SPO2 despite highflow O2
Inadequate Resp effort
Decreased LOC: Unresponsive
Bradycardia
2 Keys to Rapidly Recognizing Unstable Tachycardia
- The patient is significantly symptomatic or unstable
- Signs and symptoms are caused by tachycardia.
<150 may not be cause.
Tachycardia with a pulse
- Are symptoms present or absent?
- Is the patient stable or unstable?
- Is there a wide QRS?
- Is the rhythm regular or irregular?
- Is the QRS monomorphic or polymorphic?
When to use Synchronized Shocks
Unstable SVT
Unstable AFIB
Unstable AFLUT
Unstable Regular Monomorphic tachycardia with pulses
When to use Unsynchronized Shocks
No pulse in VF/pVT
Unsure if the rhythm is monomorphic or polymorphic.
Unstable or deteriorating pt and synch cannot be immediately accomplished
Prearrest, severe shock or pVT. Or suspicion that delay will result in arrest.
Elements of Effective Team Dynamics
- Clear Roles and Responsibilities
- Knowing your limitations
- Constructive Intervention
- Knowledge Sharing
- Summarizing and re-evaluating
- Closed Loop Communication
- Clear Messages
- Mutual Respect
Reasons to withhold Resuscitation
- Rigor Mortis
- DNR Status
- Threat to safety of providers
Termination of Resuscitation
Continue efforts until:
1. Restoration of effective, spontaneous circulation and ventilation
2. Transfer of care to a senior emergency medical professional
3. Reliable criteria indicate irreversible death.
4. Exhaustion or dangerous environment hazards
5. Continued resus puts live of other in jeopardy
6. Valid DNR is present
7. OLMC order or prior medical protocol
