ECare - Chapter 12 (The Primary Assessment) Flashcards
primary assessment
form general impression assess mental status assess airway assess breathing assess circulation determine priority of the patient for treatment
manual stabilization of the head and neck
hold head in neutral, in-line position. Place thumbs behind ear if sitting up or around jaw/mouth if supine
Intervention: patient is lifeless
do CPR
Intervention: patient has altered mental status
primary assessment is more aggressive while later assessments are quicker
Intervention: patient is very anxious, pale, and sweaty
patient may be in shock (check for rapid pulse and respiratory rate)
Intervention: patient has trauma to head, chest, abdomen, or pelvis
patient may have problems in the airway, shock, or death
Intervention: tripod position
difficulty breathing
Intervention: Levine’s sign
chest pain or discomfort
AVPU
classify patient’s level of responsiveness: alert, verbal response, painful response, and unresponsive
responsiveness: patient’s orientation
orientation to person (knows their name), orientation to pace (knows where they are), orientation to time (knows the date)
breathing scenario: patient is not alert and breathing is inadequate
positive ventilations with 100% oxygen
breathing scenario: patient has some level of alertness and breathing is inadequate
assist with ventilations with 100% oxygen; synchronize ventilations with patient’s respirations
breathing scenario: breathing is adequate but signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia are present
provide oxygen based on needs
when to immediately transport patient
life-threatening problem can’t be controlled OR depressed level of responsiveness
trauma vs medical patients
trauma patients need spinal injury considerations
