Drowning Flashcards
1
Q
what is drowning?
A
A process resulting in primary respiratory
impairment from submersion/immersion in a
liquid medium.
2
Q
what happens in a salt water drowning?
A
Salt water has an osmotic pressure 3.5 to 4
times that of blood which draws more fluid from the body into the
lungs (pulmonary oedema).
3
Q
what happens in a fresh water drowning?
A
fresh water enters the lungs, has a lower osmotic pressure than the blood. it denature surfactant and cause alveoli damage and collapse.
4
Q
What is the management of a drowned pt?
A
Resus. prioritize airway mangement. high flow oxygen, IV access, treat hypothermia.
