CH 11: The Primary Assessment - Critical Thinking Flashcards
A 26-year old male found unresponsive on the ground outside a bar who is now waking up after you attempted to insert a nasopharyngeal airway.
One might be inclined to minimize this patient’s condition because of where he was found - outside a bar - and simply assume he’s intoxicated. But that is very risky. At this point, you only know that he has been unconscious and better control of his airway has improved his condition. His condition remains stable.
A 60-year old female complaining only of weakness who appears pale and sweaty, is alert, has no problem with ABCs, but just “looks” to you like she is very sick.
Although the patient’s ABC’s are fine and she is alert, her skin signs are a big concern. In addition, your intuition is telling you something is wrong. Caregiver intuition can be one of your best diagnostic tools in patient assessment. This patient is potentially unstable.
A 6-month old infant who vomited but appears happy and is reacting appropriately to people and things around her now.
Assuming the patient’s ABCs are fine and her level of hydration is normal, this patient is stable.
Which portion of the primary assessment is performed first?
Unresponsive patient with arterial bleeding coming from neck.
Bleeding control - will be fatal in short time.
Which portion of the primary assessment is performed first?
Patient with broken ankle and no other apparent injury.
Do a quick but thorough check of ABCs to be sure nothing is overlooked.
Which portion of the primary assessment is performed first?
Patient who is not moving and does not appear to be breathing.
First give a pulse check and in the absence, begin chest compressions.
Which portion of the primary assessment is performed first?
A patient who tells you that she has severe difficulty breathing.
Take an ABC approach to check airway and position appropriately. Administration of O2 or ventilation (as required) would occur next.
Which portion of the primary assessment is performed first?
A patient who has ingested too much alcohol and vomiting.
Treat airway first. Suctioning and positioning will be necessary if patient has altered mental status and can’t control his airway.
Which portion of the primary assessment is performed first?
A patient who is doubled over, screaming because of abdominal pain.
Screaming indicates that patient is moving air in and out. Make sure there has been no vomiting that would require suction. Check pulse rate and skin color, temperature and condition to assess for possible shock from internal bleeding.
