Debilitated Patients

Question 1

Name 3 types of trauma

Answer 1

• Thoracic
• Abdominal
• Fractures

Question 2

What should be considered with fractures?

Answer 2

Are there other injuries that need stabilised first? Can analgesia be given in the meantime?

Question 3

What should be done pre-radiograph

Answer 3

• vital signs must be stable
• provide O2 therapy
• provide fluid therapy
• mild sedation required
• analgesia
• ET tube at the ready
• crash box at the ready

Question 4

Why might radiographs have to be delayed?

Answer 4

• if the patients condition could be aggravated by radiographic procedures
• if the benefits of radiography do not exceed the risks
• if a change in course of therapy is unlikely

Question 5

What should not be done as a means of preparation of an anorexic patient?

Answer 5

They should not be fasted

Question 6

What should not be done as a means of preparation of a patient with diarrhoea?

Answer 6

They should not receive an enema