Acute Care Flashcards
In the statement “Minimum equipment guidelines for pediatric prehospital care”, what is the most notable new recommendation made for a piece of equipment that should be available for paramedic use?
AED
What percentage of anaphylactic reactions end up having an identifiable trigger?-top 3 most common trigger?
30%-Most common triggers: food, insect bites, medications
What is the clinical criteria for diagnosis of anaphylaxis?
Any 1 of the 3 criteria:1. Acute onset of skin or mucosal tissue changes (minutes to hours) with one of the following:-respiratory compromise (dyspnea, wheeze, stridor, hypoxemia)-reduced BP or associated symptoms of end organ dysfunction (incontinence, syncope, hypotonia)2. For patient exposed to a LIKELY allergen for that patient, need two of the following:-involvement of skin-mucosal tissue-respiratory compromise-reduced BP or associated symptoms of end organ dysfunction-persistent GI symptoms (crampy abdo pain or vomiting)3. For patient exposed to a KNOWN allergen:-reduced BP (in minutes to hours)
What are the available doses of self-injectable epinephrine?
10-25 kg: 0.15 mg EpiPen Jr>25 kg: 0.30 mg EpiPen(
What are the medications used in the management of anaphylaxis: name, dose, max dose
Epinephrine (1:1000)-dose: 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 ml/kg) q5-15mins as required-max: 0.5 mgCetirizine (H1 antagonist, non-sedating)-dose: 6 mo - 5 yrs: 5-10 mg PO ODDiphenhydramine (Benadryl, H1 antagonist, sedating)-dose: 1 mg/kg PO/IV q4-6h for cutaneous symptoms-max: 50 mgRanitidine (H2 antagonist)-dose: 1 mg/kg q8h for cutaneous symptoms-max: 50 mgCorticosteroids (prednisone PO or methylpred IV)-dose: 1 mg/kg-max: 75 mg prednisone, 125 methylpredSalbutamol:-dose: 5-10 puffs via MDI or 2.5-5 mg nebs q20 minutes for respiratory symptoms (wheezing/SOB)Nebulized epi (1:1000):-dose: 2.5-5 ml neb q20minutes for stridorEpinephrine IV infusion-dose: 0.1-1 mcg/kg/min for hypotension -max: 10 mcg/kg/min
What is the vascular access recommended in all patients experiencing anaphylaxis and why?
2 large bore IVs should be inserted since anaphylaxis causes distributive shock and patients can lose up to 35% of their circulating blood volume in the first 10 minutes.
What position should patients in anaphylaxis be placed in and why?
Supine or trendelenburg position to optimize venous return to the heart and prevent pooling of blood in lower extremities due to systemic vasodilation
For patients with anaphylaxis and cardiovascular signs (hypotension, tachycardia, delayed capillary refill), what should management be?
Aggressive fluid resuscitation with boluses!If persistently poor perfusion and hypotension despite fluid boluses, will need epinephrine infusion and ICU admission
What is the minimum amount of time patients with anaphylaxis should be observed in hospital prior to discharge home and why?
Increased risk for biphasic response in first 4-6 hours but can occur in up to 72 hours-should observe for minimum of 4-6 hours
What are the effects of epinephrine in the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis?
Alpha-adrenergic properties: increases peripheral vascular resistance and reverses peripheral vasodilationBeta-1 adrenergic effects: inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heartBeta-2 adrenergic effects: bronchodilation and reduction of inflammatory mediator release from mast cells and basophils
What form of epinephrine is proven to be most effective in treatment of anaphylaxis?-Why IM over IV?
IM injection of 1:1000 epinephrine 0.01 ml/kg (max 0.5 mg) into the anterolateral thigh and repeat q5-15 mins depending on patient’s response to previous doses.-IM administration results in faster and higher peak plasma concentrations compared with IM or subcutaneous injection into the upper arm-IV administration of epinephrine boluses is NOT ideal because immediate effects are short-lived and can induce cardiac arrhythmias when administered too quickly
What are examples of H1 antagonists and H2 antagonists used in anaphylaxis?-why should you use both?
H1 antagonists: diphenhydramine and cetirizine (can use either)-cetirizine in a patient who is not vomiting is best since it is faster in onset and less sedatingH2 antagonists: ranitidine or famotidineGive both H1 and H2 antagonists because combined effect is superior in treating cutaneous manifestations compared with use of H1 antagonists alone
What is the evidence for steroid use in anaphylaxis?
No evidence for use!-No randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a proven benefit of steroids in the treatment of anaphylaxis-most experts would still recommend treatment with steroids with the knowledge that onset is slow and there will likely be little beneft in the acute phase of management
What is the evidence for use of epi nebs for treatment of upper airway obstruction in anaphylaxis?
No studies have documented the clinical efficacy of epi nebs for treatment of upper airway obstruction induced by anaphylaxis-the first line treatment for symptoms of upper or lower airway obstruction due to anaphylaxis is IM epi!!!!
What is the first line mainstay of treatment of upper and lower airway obstruction symptoms due to anaphylaxis?
IM EPINEPHRINE!-salbutamol and epinephrine nebs are only supportive! (Not great evidence supporting their use)
In a patient with anaphylaxis and persistent hypotension despite fluid boluses, what is the management?
No evidence for repeated doses of IM epinephrine in improving hypotension-need epinephrine infusion at dose of 0.1 mcg/kg/min and gradual titration to produce a normal blood pressure (max 10 mcg/kg/min)
What is the management for a patient in anaphylaxis who is on regular beta blockers with persistent hypotension despite epinephrine administration?
Due to beta blockers, the IM epinephrine may not be able to produce effects on beta receptors-need to give reversal agent = glucagon-glucagon activates adenylate cyclase independent of the beta receptor to reverse cardiovascular effects of anaphylaxis-20 mcg/kg to 30 mcg/kg IV over 5 minutes (max 1 mg) followed by glucagon infusion at rate of 5 mcg/min to 15 mcg/min
Biphasic anaphylactic reactions are more likely to occur in which 3 clinical scenarios?-what is the management of a biphasic anaphylaxis reaction?
- Delayed administration of epinephrine2. Presentation with severe symptoms (resp distress or hypotension)3. Multiple doses of epinephrine requiredBiphasic anaphylaxis reaction: repeat IM epi and other supportive therapies and admit into hospital for monitoring
Which patients with anaphylaxis should strongly be considered for overnight observation or admission (aka more than 4-6 hrs in ED)? (3)
- Patients with peanut allergy2. Patients with asthma3. Use of beta blockers
What is the discharge management of patients from the ED with anaphylaxis?
- Rx for self-injectable epinephrine2. Leave the ED with an epinephrine autoinjector in case a biphasic reaction occurs on the way home3. Counsel parents how and when to give the self-injectable epinephrine and that two doses should be available for administration with the child at all times (at school and with the parent or child)4. Recommend MedicAlert bracelet5. Refer to allergist or immunologist
When a patient with known asthma presents with sats
Higher morbidity and greater risk for hospitalization
What is the most common cause of emergency room visits?-2 most common causes of acute gastroenteritis?
Acute gastroenteritis-2 most common causes: rotavirus and norovirus
What is the mechanism of action of ondansetron?-onset of action?
selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist-if taken orally, quickly absorbed into GI tract and onset 1-2 hrs
What is the most common side effect of ondansetron use in gastroenteritis?
Increased diarrhea up to 48 hrs after administration - mild and self-limiting-no other adverse events seen
In published studies, what does the use of a single dose of oral ondansetron for pediatric gastroenteritis do? (3)
- Decreases frequency of vomiting in ED2. Decreases need of IV fluid administration 3. MAY be effective in reducing hospital admissions
What is the age group of which oral ondansetron therapy is suggested for management of acute gastroenteritis in PED?-which group is ondansetron NOT recommended?
6 mo - 12 yo who present with vomiting due to acute gastroenteritis with mild-moderate dehydration OR who have failed oral rehydration therapy-should start ORT 15-30 mins after administration of oral ondansetron-not recommended for children whose predominant symptom is moderate to severe diarrhea
How does ORT work at the cellular level?
Glucose and sodium in the oral rehydration solution is cotransported by the sodium-potassium ATP pump on the enterocyte which then causes subsequent water absorption across the intestinal membrane
When would you consider using a rice-based oral rehydration solution?
Rice based ORS = gives favourable ratio of glucose to sodium and adds additional calories without increasing osmotic loadFor children with cholera = found in meta-analysis to reduce stool output(not in children with noncholera diarrhea though)
What is the management of acute gastroenteritis?-mild dehydration (5%)-moderate dehydration (5-10%)-severe dehydration (>10%)
- Mild dehydration-rehydration with ORT 50 ml/kg over 4 hrs-Replace ongoing losses with ORT-Age-appropriate diet after rehydration2. Moderate dehydration-rehydration with ORT 100 ml/kg over 4 hrs-replace ongoing losses with ORT-age appropriate diet after rehydration3. Severe dehydration-IV bolus 20 ml/kg over 1 hr (repeat prn)-began ORT when pt stable-replace ongoing losses-age appropriate diet
What are the components of the PRAM score? (5)
- Suprasternal indrawing: -present: 2 points-absent: 0 points2. Scalene retractions:-present: 2 points-absent: 0 points3. Wheezing:-0: absent-1: exp only-2: insp & exp-3: audible without stethoscope or silent chest with minimal air entry4. Air entry:-0: normal-1: decreased at bases-2: widespread decrease-3: absent/minimal5. O2 sat on RA:-0: >93%-1: 90-93%-2:
What O2 sat on presentation of acute asthma exacerbation is associated with higher morbidity and greater risk for hospitalization?
O2 sat
What are 4 risk factors for ICU admission and death in children presenting with acute asthma exacerbation?
- Previous intubation2. Previous ICU admission3. Previous life-threatening events4. Deterioration while already on systemic steroids
When is a blood gas indicated in acute asthma exacerbation?
- When the patient has no clinical improvement with maximal aggressive therapy2. In severe to impending respiratory failure-remember that a normal cap carbon dioxide level despite persistent resp distress is a sign of impending resp failure
What is the evidence for a specific goal of SpO2 in acute asthma exacerbations?
No strong evidence for a specific goal but CPS statement suggests keeping sats >94% in context of acute resp distress
According to the CPS statement, what is preferred in acute asthma exacerbation: MDI vs. neb?
MDI with a spacer is the preferred device for ventolin since it is more efficient than a nebulizer-less likely to provoke hypoxemia and tachycardia than a neb-if patient needs O2, can use nasal prongs at same time as giving MDI
What are the 3 main side effects of salbutamol?-when should patients be monitored for cardiac arrhythmias while on salbutamol?
- Tachycardia2. Hypokalemia3. Hyperglycemia-monitor for cardiac arrhythmias if on continuous nebulized salbutamol
In which group of children should atrovent (ipratropium bromide) be used cautiously?
In children with soy allergy
What is the evidence for use of atrovent nebs in acute asthma exacerbations?-what are side effects of magnesium sulfate in acute asthma exacerbations (2)?
Randomized control trials found reduced hospital admission rates and better lung function with atrovent was added with ventolin DURING THE FIRST HOUR OF PRESENTATION for moderate-severe asthma exacerbations-no evidence for use beyond the first hour-side effects: hypotension & bradycardia
When do you consider use of magnesium sulphate in acute asthma exacerbations?
Use in children with moderate-severe presentations with incomplete response to conventional therapy during the first 1-2 hrs-so do what you would do first (V&A back to back, dose of steroid), THEN reassess and if not better, start MgSO4-if you use it, consider consulting PICU or respirology
What are 3 treatments for acute asthma exacerbations if patient fails conventional therapy (including MgSO4 and IV steroids) and is going to PICU?
- Continuous nebulized ventolin2. IV ventolin (especially in resp failure patients since ventolin nebs will no longer reach the bronchioles given the severe level of bronchospasm)3. IV aminophylline4. Heliox
What are the potential complications of intubation in a patient with severe acute asthma exacerbation?
Up to 26% of children intubated due to asthma will have complications:-pneumothorax-impaired venous return due to air trapping-cardiovascular collapse**Overall, associated with increased risk of death
When should admission to hospital be considered for a patient with acute asthma exacerbation? (4)
- Ongoing O2 need2. Beta agonists needed more often than q4-8h after 4-8 hr of conventional treatment3. Persistent increased work of breathing4. Patient deteriorates while on systemic steroids
What are discharge criteria from the ED for patient with acute asthma exacerbation?
- B2 agonist less often than q4h after conventional treatment2. O2 sat > 94% on RA3. Minimal or no signs of resp distress4. Improved air entry
Which patients presenting with acute asthma exacerbation should be prescribed inhaled corticosteroid upon discharge home? (2)
- Children with persistent asthma presentations2. Those presenting with moderate or severe episode
What advice should be given to a parent on discharge whose child came in with an acute asthma exacerbation?
- Asthma action plan2. Inhaled corticosteroid daily x 1 month3. PO steroids x 3-5 d4. Continue ventolin MDI puffer at home at 0.3 puffs/kg to a max of 10 puffs q4h until exacerbation resolves and then prn5. F/U with family doctor within 2-4 weeks
What are the usual doses of Alvesco (ciclesonide)?
100-200 mcg as starting dose ONCE DAILY and can be increased up to 400 mcg BID for severe cases -main benefit of alvesco over over inhaled corticosteroids is that it is once daily
What are the indications for a CXR in acute asthma exacerbations?
- If concerned for pneumothorax2. If concerned for foreign body aspiration3. To rule out pneumonia4. Focal findings on exam