Cold Injury Standard

Question 1

When do we want to remove the pt from the cold?

Answer 1

as soon as it is safe to do so after completing the primary survey!!

Question 2

If pt is trapped, prevent additonal heat loss by:

Answer 2

cover with a blanket or put a blanket between the pt and the ground

Question 3

WHAT ARE LIFE/LIMB/FUNCTION THREATS:

Answer 3

severe hypothermia

severe frostbite

underlying disorders/precipitating factors (ex. alcohol/drug ingestion, hypoglycemia, trauma)

Question 4

For patients with known or suspected hypoglycemia, pulse and respiration checks should be performed for up to how long?

Answer 4

10 seconds!!!!!!!!

Question 5

What should attempt to determine about the hypothermic patient? (2)

Answer 5

duration of exposure

type of exposure

Question 6

Secondary survey assessments include:

Answer 6

• only exposing areas that need to be examined and overing the area as soon as assessment is completed
• if hypothermia is know or suspected, attempt to determine the severity of hypothermia
• if frostbite, attempt to determine the severity of the frostbite

Question 7

The presence or absense of shivering is an important indicator of severity of hypothermia, true or false?

Answer 7

TRUEEE

Question 8

If shivering is MINIMAL or absent…. and the LOC is decreased or LOA is altered, assume core temp is below ____ !!!!!!

Answer 8

32!!!!!

Question 9

Attempt to remove wet or constrictive clothing and jewelry, if clothing is frozen to the skin what do we do?

Answer 9

wait till thawing occurs!!!

Question 10

For moderate hypothermia: (ie if shivering is present)

Answer 10

1. wrap the patients body/affected parts in a blanket or foil rescue blanket and
2. provide external re warming as available (hot packs, hot water bottles) to axillae, groin, neck and head

Question 11

For severe hypothermia: (no shivering hypothermia, unconcious pt with cold, stiff limbs, slow/absent pulse and respirations and no other signs of “obvious” death) :

Answer 11

1. wrap the pts body/affected parts in a blanket or foil rescue blanket and
2. when suction is required, do not perform vigorous suctioning or airway manipulation as it may trigger ventricular fibrillation and:

Question 12

For frostbite: (4 things)

Answer 12

1. wrap the pts body/affected parts in blanket or foil rescue blanket, cover and protect the part
2. not rub or massage the skin
3. leave blisters intact and
4. if dressing digits, dress digits seperately

Question 13

Will SPO2 be obtainable and accurate for the hypothermic patient?

Answer 13

SPO2 reading may be unobtainable or inaccurate due to poor/reduced peripheral circulation in the col extremities.