ER studyguide Flashcards
triage
prioritizing cases and needs when confronted with multiple emergencies simultaneously, or one patient with multiple problems
3 key questions to consider during triage
- Is the condition life-threatening?
- Is it likely to change in a short time frame?
- Is there a critical window of opportunity for treatment?
4 levels of consciousness
alert
depressed
stuporous
comatose
what could pale mm and >2 CRT indicate?
shock or anemia
what would brick red mm and <1 CRT indicate?
hypothermia or sepsis
tachypnea
fast breathing
dyspnea
difficulty breathing
orthopnea
discomfort when breathing while laying flat
what additional parameters should be taken for a hit by car
unstable fracture, head trauma, major wounds, ruptured bladder, pulmonary contusions, bleeding
what additional parameters should be taken for possible blocked cat
watch for bradycardia and mental dullness
what additional parameters should be taken for ingesting a toxin
How long ago? and what toxin?
what additional parameters should be taken for seizures
How often? How long do they last? If no recent ones, wait under observation if possible.
why would shock need immediate attention?
multiple organ failure (MOF)
death
why would dyspnea need immediate attention?
no oxygen can lead to heart stopping or MOF
why would active bleeding need immediate attention?
bleeding out can lead to MOF
why would seizures need immediate attention?
more severe brain damage
why would an open fracture need immediate attention?
infection
nerve damage
why would urethral obstructions need immediate attention?
high potassium levels
hyperkalemia
why would toxin exposure need immediate attention?
if it was in a quick time frame the animal can vomit to get the toxin out before it gets to the bloodstream
why would heatstroke/hypothermia need immediate attention?
loss of blood flow and overheating (MOF); need to normalize body temps
why would head trauma need immediate attention?
brain damage can affect bodily functions and change fast
why would allergic reactions need immediate attention?
symptoms can be severe and are different with every animal
why would dystocia need immediate attention?
have a critical window to try and save baby and mom
why would pain need immediate attention?
address type of pain to know what immediate analgesia can be given
available fluid routes
SQ, IV, IO
available fluid types
LRS, NaCl
available administration set choices for fluids
macro drip and micro drip
