Identification of the critically ill patient

Question 1

what is critical illness

Answer 1

it is an acute life-threatening multisystem process that is reversible and can result in significant morbidity or mortality

Question 2

how do you identify a critical ill patient

Answer 2

triage

Question 3

how can you triage the patients (4)

Answer 3

1. Diagnosis based
2. Procedure based
3. Specialty based
4. Vital signs based

Question 4

what do you do (5)

Answer 4

1. Call for help!
2. ABC assessment
3. ABC management – save the patient’s life!
4. Diagnosis
5. Disposition + FAST HUGS IN BED PLEASE

Question 5

what score do you do for a critically ill patient especially on first presentation

Answer 5

EWS

Question 6

what does the FAST HUGS IN BED stand for

Answer 6

F- fluid therapy and feeding
A- analgesia, antiemetics, ADT
S- sedation and spontaneous breathing trial
T- thromboprophylaxis

H- head up position (30 degrees) if intubated
U- ulcer prophylaxis
G- glucose control
S- skin/eye care. suctioning

I- indwelling catheter
N- NGT

B- bowel cares
E- environment e.g. temperature control, appropriate surroundings
D- de-escalation e.g. rx no longer needed

** psychological support for patient, family and staff