Clinical Practice Protocols Flashcards
What is the indication for IO access?
Emergent administration of medications when IV access cannot be obtained
What are the 5 contraindications for IO access?
Fracture in target bone
Previous significant orthopaedic procedure at the site i.e. prosthetic limb or joint
IO catheter insertion in previous 48 hours in target bone
Infection in area of insertion
Excessive soft tissue or absence of adequate anatomical landmarks
What are the 4 complications of IO access?
Local or systemic infection
Drug or fluid extravasation which can cause compartment syndrome
Fracture and/or epiphyseal plate damage
Air embolus
What is an epiphyseal plate (IO)?
Growth plate in paediatrics. Consists of a layer of cartilage.
What are the locations of IO access for adults (>12yo)?
Proximal humerus
Proximal tibia
Distal tibia
What are the locations of IO access for paediatrics? (<12yo)?
Proximal tibia only
How do you locate target site for IO insertion in the proximal humerus?
Place patient’s hand over abdomen to adduct the elbow and internally rotate humerus
Place one hand vertically over axilla
Place other hand over midline of the upper arm laterally
Place thumbs over the arm to identify vertical line of insertion
Palpate upwards over the surgical neck to find the greater tubercle.
The insertion site is the most prominent part of the greater tubercle approx. 1-2cm above the surgical neck.
How do you locate the site of IO insertion in the proximal tibia for an adult (<12yo)?
Locate the tibial tuberosity and the insertion site is approximately 2cm medial
Or approx. 3cm below the patella and 2cm medial from there
How do you locate the site of IO insertion in the proximal tibia for a paediatric (<12yo)?
Locate tibial tuberosity and insertion site is approximately 1cm medial from there.
How do you locate the site of IO insertion in the distal tibia?
Extend the patient’s leg
The insertion site is appro 3cm proximal to the most prominent aspect of the medial malleolus along the flat central aspect of the tibia
What are the sizes of IO catheters?
Red - 15mm
Blue - 25mm
Yellow - 45mm
Which size IO catheter is used for which site?
Red (15mm) for paediatrics
Blue (25mm) for adult tibia
Yellow (45mm) for proximal humerus or fat tibia
When inserting an IO, how much of the catheter should be out of the skin before drilling?
5mm which is indicated by black markers
What gauge of needle are the IO catheters?
15 gauge
What is the pad positioning for cardioversion?
Anterior and lateral pad placement
What is the indications for cardioversion?
Rapid ventricular rate with severely compromised cardiac output or haemodynamics
Pulsatile VT
SVT
AF
Atrial flutter
What are the 2 contraindications for cardioversion?
VF/Pulseless VT
Adequate perfusion despite dysrhythmia
What are the 2 complications for cardioversion?
Pain and discomfort
Paradoxical asystole or VF
What are the recommended joule settings for adult cardioversion?
100J
150J
200J
What are the recommended joule settings for paediatric cardioversion?
0.5J/kg
1J/kg
2J/kg
If synchronised cardioversion does not work what should you do?
Ensure the R wave is being sensed, consider alternative pad placement
Consider other causes of tachycardia such as hypovolaemia
Why is cardioversion synchronised and thus delivered during the R wave?
To avoid R on T phenomenon which can cause VF