Assessment Of Critically Ill

Question 1

Airway

Answer 1

Stridor - may or may not be present

Question 2

Breathing

Answer 2

Tachypnoea
Desaturation < 90%
RR >30 or <8
Unable to speak 1/2 sentence without pausing
Agitated, confused, comatose
Cyanosed
Deteriorating despite therapy

Question 3

Circulation

Answer 3

Hypotension - late feature of shock
- SBP <90

Tissue perfusion
- conscious level
- peripheries
- urine output
- acidosis
(body compensation by directing circulation to brain - if consciousness is impaired, indicating critically ill)

Cause of shock
- HR
- JVP
- peripheries

Question 4

Approach

Answer 4

Quick history - why am I here
Specific examination
Diagnosis and alternatives
Investigations
Management