Assessment of Critically Ill

Question 1

Airway

Answer 1

Look for central cyanosis, see saw pattern of breathing, accessory muscles, tracheal tug, ALOC

Listen for sounds of non-breathing

Feel for air flow on inspiration and expiration

Treat

Question 2

Breathing

Answer 2

Look for central cyanosis, use of accessory muscles, rest rate, equality and depth of respiration, sweating, JVP latency of chest drains

Listen for noisy breathing, clearance of secretions by coughing, ability to talk in sentences, change in percussion note

Feel for equality of chest movement, position of trachea, presence of surgical emphysema or crepitus, paradoxical respiration and tactile vocal fremitus if indicated, percuss

Treat

Question 3

Circulation

Answer 3

CRT, Pallor, coolness, collapsed or uinderfilled veins

Concealed haemorrhage