Emergency Situations Flashcards
What 3 questions can be asked to establish a framework for quickly developing an emergency plan of care?
- What do i know about my patient?
- what do i know about the procedure?
- what do I know about my available resources?
Since 1963, what society has used a predictive system of classification for anesthetic outcomes for preoperative patients?
American Society of Anesthesiologists
What do the ASA classifications range from?
ASA I to ASA VI
ASA I is what?
healthy individual
ASA VI is what?
an individual who has been declared brain dead and is being prepared for organ donation
What does the E following ASA classifications III, IV, and V designate?
the procedure as an emergency, requiring immediate action
What does the ASA classification help to do?
the starting point for multidisciplinary teams to prioritize staff and equipment and to anticipate potential complications during the surgical procedure
elective procedures allow for what?
allow the patient and perioperative team members adequate time to prepare for the surgery
urgent procedures are performed when?
performed for conditions that are not considered life-threatening but could progress to an emergency status if not treated
a time frame for urgent procedures is followed based on what?
the nature of the condition and the associated complications (i.e. compound fracture and risk for infection)
emergency procedures are what?
nonelective surgeries performed when time is a factor in saving a patient’s life or limb
The acute nature of emergency procedures means what?
means that less time can be spent conducting a thorough patient assessment or following typical protocols (surgical counts, informed consent)
what is the focus of emergency procedures?
to save the patient’s life and prevent systemic deterioration
What is the definition of ASA I
a normal, healthy patient
what are examples, including but not limited to ASA I?
healthy, nonsmoking, no or minimal alcohol use
What is the definition of ASA II
a patient with mild systemic disease
What are examples, including but not limited to ASA II?
- mild diseases only without substantive functional limitations
- current smoker, social alcohol use, pregnancy, obesity (30 < BMI <40), well controlled DM/HTN, mild lung disease
What is the definition of ASA III?
a patient with severe systemic disease
What are examples, including but not limited to ASA III?
- Substantive functional limitations; one or more moderate to severe diseases
- Poorly controlled DM or HTN, COPD, morbid obesity (BMI>40), active hepatitis, alcohol dependence or abuse, implanted pacemaker, moderate ejection fraction reduction, ESRD undergoing regularly scheduled dialysis, premature infant PCA < 60 weeks, history (> 3 months) of MI, CVA, TIA, or CAD/stents
What is the definition of ASA IV?
a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life
What are examples, including but not limited to ASA IV?
Recent (<3months) MI, CVA, TIA, or CAD/stents, ongoing cardiac ischemia or severe valve dysfunction, severe reduction of ejection fraction, sepsis, DIC, ARD, or ESRD not undergoing regularly scheduled dialysis
What is the definition of ASA V?
a moribund patient who is not expected to survive without an operation
What are examples, including but not limited to ASA V?
ruptured abdominal/thoracic aneurysm, massive trauma, intracranial bleed with mass effect, ischemic bowel in the face of significant cardiac pathology or multiple organ/system dysfunction
what is the defintion of ASA VI?
a declared brain-dead patient whose organs are being removed for donor purposes
MH is a what? associated with?
a potentially fatal hyermetabolic complication associated with a rare autosomal dominant genetic defect
what triggers MH?
volatile inhaled anesthetics and the depolarizing muscle relaxant succinylcholine
What kind of anesthetics trigger MH?
those that end in “ane”
How does MH start?
the triggering agent initiates a release of large amounts of calcium in skeletal muscle cells, resulting in sustained muscle contractions, a hyper metabolic state, and heat production
What are the first signs of an MH crisis?
an increase in end tidal CO2 and tachycardia are the first signs
What may also show up when an anesthesiologists trys to intubate a patient with MH?
sustained muscle rigidity may be manifested by difficulty intubating
What may the surgeon note with MH at the field?
dark unsaturated blood at the surgical field
What are other s/sx of MH?
- hypertension
- mottling of the skin
- cola-colored urine
- hyperkalemia
- metabolic and respiratory acidosis
- ventricular arrhythmias
What is a late sign of MH?
an extreme rise in body temp (over 110 degrees F)
What are severe complications of MH?
cardiac arrest, brain damage, systemic organ failure, and death
What patient population should a nurse/provider not use triggering agents for MH in?
patients with underlying muscle conditions (muscular dystrophy, myotonia) or a family history of unexplained death during general anesthesia
What are the 12 steps for treatment of MH?
- notify the surgeon to stop the procedure ASAP. If surgery must be continued, assist the anesthesia care provider to exchange inhaled anesthesia agents to IV non triggering agents
- discontinue volatile agents and succinylcholine
- get dantrolene and the MH cart
- call for help (MH code) or 911 per facility protocol
- Hyperventilate with 100% Oxy at flows of 10 L/min to flush volatile anesthetics and lower EtCO2, if availabile, insert activated charcoal filters into the inspiratory and expiratory limbs of breathing circuit. The filter may become saturated after 1 hour; therefore, a replacement set of filters should be substituted after each hour of use
- initiate additional venous access with a large bore IV catheter if possible. Give IV dantrolene 25 mg/kg rapidly and repeat as frequently as needed until the patient responds with decreased etCO2, decreased muscle rigidity, and a lowered heart rate. Large doses (>10mg/kg) may be required for patients with persistent contractures or rigidity
- assist with the insertion of an arterial line. send blood gas specimens (venous or arterial) as ordered
- relay lab results to the surgical team
- assure additional meds are available (calcium chloride or calcium gluconate, insulin, sodium bicarb)
- insert a 3 way foley
- cool the patient if his or her core temp is greater than 102 degrees fahrenheit (39 degrees celsius) or if it is less but rapidly rising. Stop cooling when the patient’s temperature has decreased to less than 100.4 degrees (38 degrees)
- When stabilized, arrange for transport to the ICU
At the onset of MH symtpoms, think what?
SHS-Cool
What does SHS cool stand for?
first action: STOP the inhalant anesthesia and STOP the surgery
Second action: HYPERVENTILATE the patient with 100% oxygen
Third action: START dantrolene
Fourth action: COOL the patient
When does LAST occur?
when toxic amounts of a local anesthesia agent enter the bloodstream
LAST is based on 3 major risk factors?
- impaired renal or hepatic function, which interferes with drug metabolism and excretion;
- an inadvertent injection of local anesthetic into a highly vascular tissue or bloodstrem
- an amount of drug injected exceeding the max recommended dosage
What s/sx of LAST typically occur before the other?
CNS signs and symptoms typically occur before cardiovascular manifestations
What are s/sx of LAST related to
directly related to the patient’s blood concentration of the drug
s/sx of LAST typically occur within what?
1 minute of administration of the local anesthetic agent, and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening
what can be included in the timeout to help prevent LAST?
incorporating dosing parameters and patient-specific maximum doses for local anesthetics as part of the time out
What should be monitored in combination with documentation of what with local anesthetic?
local anesthetic dosages should be monitored and documented along with the patient’s reaction to the medication
Constant monitoring of patient receiving local anesthetics does what?
helps to detectm CNS and cardiovascular changes indicative of a LAST reaction
What is a method that can be used for assessing early signs and symptoms of an impending LAST event?
verbal contact
Treatment of LAST includes what?
- immediately stop injection of the local anesthetic
- secure the patient’s airway
- ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen
- call for help
- establish IV access if not already present
- Prepare to administer basic and advanced life support as the patient’s condition warrants
- Treat seizure activity with benzodiazepines
- be prepared to administer lipid emulsion therapy (20% lipid emulsion)
What are initial phase signs and symptoms related to the CNS with LAST?
- metallic taste
- confusion
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- light-headedness
- numbness and tingling of the lips and tongue
- tinnitus
- nystagmus
What are excitation phase signs and symptoms related to the CNS with LAST?
- agitation
- tremors
- tonic-clonic convulsions
What are depression phase signs and symptoms related to the CNS with LAST?
- unconsciousness
- respiratory arrest
- coma
What are initial phase signs and symptoms related to the cardiovascular system with LAST?
- hypertension
- tachycardia
What are intermediate phase signs and symptoms related to the cardiovascular system with LAST?
- decreased cardiac output
- mild to moderate hypertension
- myocardial depression
What are terminal phase signs and symptoms related to the cardiovascular system with LAST?
- hypotension
- peripheral vasodilation
- sinus brady
- ventricular dystrhythmias
- cardiovascular collapse
- asystole
- death
Where can an air embolism form?
either the venous or arterial circulation
when does a venous air embolsim form?
occurs when an opening in the venous system has a lower pressure gradient that than the atmosphere, which results in air being drawn into the venous circulation and potentially lodging in a blood vessel
What are the 2 types of procedures with an increased risk of air embolism?
- cases in which the surgical site has a lower pressure gradient than the atmosphere (procedures conducted in a sitting position)
- laparoscopic procedures when insufflating gas is instilled under pressure to create a pneumoperitoneum
What are 3 other miscellaneous things that can result in an air embolism?
- access of air to the circulation via a central line
- access of air to the circulation via a hemodialysis catheter
- during cardiopulmonary bypass
What is more often a complication of cardiac surgery?
arterial air embolism (AAE)
When the patient is placed on an extracorporeal circuit to oxygenate the blood, what is most susceptible to air being infiltrated into the system?
the arterial portion of the circuit
AAE may occur as a result of what 3 things?
- air bubbles in the arterial inflow line or in the cardiac chambers becoming dislodged after the heart resumes beating
- chest trauma when air from the bronchial veins enters the left atrium
- venous air passing through a cardiac defect (i.e. patent foramen ovale) and entering the arterial circulation
what is believed to be the most effective in reducing the concentration of local anesthetic in the blood?
lipid emulsion
what is one of the main ingredients in lipid emulsion?
egg
So what should patients be screened for preoperatively if we know that a patient is scheduled for a procedure with local anesthetic?
screened for an egg allergy
What are the first 2 symptoms of an air embolsim?
decreased end-tidal CO2 and lower oxygen saturation
What are 3 s/sx of a VAE?
- rise in pulmonary artery pressure
- decreased cardiac output
- tachy or bradyarrhythmias
What do s/sx of Cerebral VAE’s depend on?
what portion of the brain was affected
signs and symptoms of an AAE involve what?
the cardiac system
What kind of s/sx can you expect with a patient who has an AAE?
- hypotension
- tachy or bradyarrhythmias
- cardiac arrest
- see respiratory symptoms as well
Patients who are awake with an AAE might be complaining of what?
- shortness of breath
- back, chest, or shoulder pain
- exhibit changes in mental status
- OR may have seizures
What are nursing interventions for VAE or AAE’s?
- risk factors for a VAE or an AAE (i.e. position, procedure) should be identified during the preoperative assessment and included in the time out
- Monitoring devices (i,e. central venous pressure catheter, precordial or transcranial doppler probe, end tidal CO2 monitor, transesophageal echocardiography machine) should be available
- All lines should be inspected for air bubbles and loose connections
If an air embolism is suspected, what will the anesthesia care provider do?
will increase the fraction of inspired oxygen to 100% and stop the flow of nitrous oxide, if being used
In order to restore the patient’s hemodynamic stability and oxygen saturation, the circulating nurse will do what:
- call for help
- in collaboration with the scrub person, anesthesia care provider, perfusionist, and surgeon, identify and close the entry point for the air embolsim
- Assist with the insertion of a central venous or pulmonary artery catheter if not already in place
- Temorarily place the patient in the left lateral (durant maneuver), slight trendelendburg position to allow entrapped air to collect in the apex of the right ventricle and be removed via central venous or pulmonary artery catheterization
- remove air directly from the heart during open chest procedures via a syringe and needle
- perform chest compressions to force air through air locks in the heart (the patient does not need to be in cardiac arrest)
- assure vasopressors (dobutamine, norepi) are available
- arrange for hyperbaric oxygen therapy as needed and transfer to the ICU
What is a bronchospasm?
a sudden constriction of the bronchioles
What are the most common causes of a bronchospasm?
- preexisting chronic pulmonary lung disease
- allergies
- anaphylaxis
- aspiration of a foreign body
What are signs and symptoms of bronchospasm?
- may demonstrate cough
- expiratory wheezing
- use of accessory muscles
- tachypnea
IF LEFT UNTREATED, CAN PROGRESS TO RESPIRATORY ARREST
What are nursing interventions for bronchospasm?
- the RN should prepare for immediate retrieval of an aspirated object via bronchoscopy
- acquire additional support - including oxygen therapy, inhaled bronchodilators, and treatment of an allergic response or anaphylaxis as indicated
What may a patient with a bronchospams require?
reintubation and ventilatory support
What is not used in neurosurgery or cardiac surgery?
nitrous oxide
Why is nitrous oxide not used in neurosurgery or cardiac surgery?
because of the ability of its molecules to expand rapidly, potentially creating a VAE
What is a laryngospasm?
is a partial or total closure of the vocal cords caused by secretions on the vocal cords or irritation of the laryngeal reflexes
When is a laryngospasm most commonly seen?
upon extubation after procedures
Why is a laryngospasm most commonly seen upon extubation?
because a large collection of fluids or blood have pooled in the pharynx (i.e. tonsillectomy, dental work)
Who are most at risk for developing a laryngospasm?
children under the age of 5 years and patients with an irritable airway
Who are patients with irritable airways?
- asthmatics
- smokers or those living in a household with someone who smokes
- someone with a recent upper respiratory infection
- someone who underwent vigorous posterior oral suctioning following extubation
What are signs and symptoms associated with partial laryngospasm?
a crowing sound accompanied by paradoxical movement of the chest or abdomen
What are signs and symptoms associated with a complete laryngospasm?
- the patient will have no breath sounds and paradoxical movement of the chest or abdomen
- oxygen saturation decreases
- pCO2 increases
What are 2 preventative laryngospasm nursing interventions?
- laryngospasm risk factors (i.e. patient age, type of procedure, irritable airway) are identified during the preoperative assessment and communicated to the surgical team during the time out
- Emergency drugs and the difficult airway cart should be immediately available
What is required immediately with laryngospasm?
Immediate intervention is required to prevent the patient from going into respiratory and cardiac arrest
What are immediate steps when a laryngospasm is identified?
- a chin lift/jaw thrust should be performed
- patient should be ventilated with 100% oxygen under positive pressure via a bag valve mask
- suction should be immediately available to remove secretions
- if the patient cannot be ventilated, the RN should call for help
- the RN should eb prepared to assist with the administration of propofol to deepen anesthesia and relax the vocal cords
- bag-valve-mask respiratory support will need to continue until the patient is able to breathe spontaneously
- the RN should be prepared to assist with administering succinylcholine for a complete laryngospasm not relieved within 1 minute
- reintubation may be necessary
- the receiving unit should be notified of the event and be prepared with humidified oxygen, racemic epi nebulizer treatments, and corticosteroids
What is anaphylaxis?
a rapid, severe, systemic, immediate allergic response secondary to exposure of a sensitized person’s immoglobulin E to an environmental antigen
In perioperative patients, what is the most frequent anaphylactic reactions?
involves antibiotics, blood products, and natural rubber (latex)
How does an anaphylactic reaction occur?
- It begins with the production of sensitized IgE after repeated exposure to an allergen.
- Subsequent exposure results in binding of the allergen with receptor sites on the IgE present on the surface of mast cells, which are key components of the inflammatory process
- the binding of the IgE receptor with the mast cell results in degranulation (release) of mediators from the mast cell, notably histamine.
What is most responsible for the signs and symptoms of both an allergic and anaphylactic reaction?
histamine release (itching, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchial constriction, vasodilatation
What is the best treatment of an anaphylactic crisis?
prevention
All patients should be assessed prior to the start of an operative or invasive procedure for what?
for reactions to drugs, food, tape, soaps, and latex
What should 2 things should be documented and communcated to other perioperative team members? as far as allergic reactions
- the type and severity of the reaction
- what was done to relieve its signs and symptoms
What might a patient be given signifying the presence of an allergy?
color coded wrist band
what should be removed from the patient’s environment to avoid anaphylaxis?
all triggers
what should be readily available in case a patient has an anaphylactic reaction?
emergency meds and supplies
What should be included as part of the presurgical time out, documented, and communcated during hand off?
allergies
What should be verified before dispensing any meds?
patient allergies
What are the actions that should be taken to treat an anaphylactic response?
- remove the causative agent
- call for help
- provide the anesthesia care provider with emergency medications (i.e. epi, corticosteroids, histamine blockers, vasopressors, diphenhydramine) and emergency equipment and supplies (i.e. code cart, difficult airway cart, fiberoptic bronchoscope, transesophageal echocardiscope, video laryngoscope)
- initiate basic or advanced cardiac life support as necessary
What does an immune-mediated response to an antibiotic involve?
the binding of a drug and IgE complex with mast cells
as mast cells degranulate, what happens?
histamine and other inflammatory mediators are released into tissues
What are the most common antibiotics implicated in an allergic response?
B lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams) - but a true anaphylactic reaction is rare
antibiotics given how are more likely to cause more serious allergic reactions?
drugs given IV
What is the most common sign of an antibiotic allergic reaction?
a rash
what are anaphylactic s/sx to antibiotics?
- urticaria
- angioedema
- bronchospasm
- gastrointestinal symptoms
- hypotension
What is the most effective strategy for the management of a drug allergy?
avoidance of the drug
What should be obtained during the preoperative assessment when it comes to antibiotics?
info regarding a previous reaction to an antibiotic (name of drug, dose, route of admin, signs and symptoms, treatment)
If an adverse reaction to an infusing antibiotic is suspected, what should happen?
the infusion should be stopped immediately
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis to antibiotics should be treated with…
epinephrine, supplemental oxygen, antihistamines, and steroids
Systemic involvement of the respiratory and circulatory systems in anaphylaxis is managed with what?
basic and advanced cardiac life support
What should be documented and communicated to other health care team members following an anaphylactic reaction to antibiotics?
reaction, treatment, and patient response
Who should the patient be referred to following an anaphylactic reaction to an antibiotic?
an allergist to confirm an IgE-mediated allergy
Misdiagnosing an antibiotic allergy does what? Which does what?
displaces first-line antibiotics for prophylaxis which can result in increased risk for surgical site infections and antibiotic resistance
What is the most common cause of an acute hemolytic reaction?
ABO incompatibility between the donor and recipient
What happens in an acute hemolytic reaction
the recipient’s antibodies bind with the donor’s red blood cells (antigens), lysing the red blood cells and initiating the inflammatory response
What can fragments of lysed cells cause?
they can block kidney tubules and blood vessels, resulting in renal failure