Knowledge Questions Flashcards
What is the difference between primary and secondary PPH?
Primary within 24 hours from birth, secondary within 24 hours - 6 weeks post birth
List patients that are high risk for PPH
Multiple pregnancy, more than 4 pregnancies, phx of PPH, phx of APH, large baby
Define PPH
Blood loss greater than 500mL in the first 24 hours from birth
Describe the four T’s
Tone - atonic uterus not contracting causing haemorrhage, can be due to polyhydramnios, multigravida, prolonged labour or rapid delivery, Trauma (to genital structures) - can be due to placenta previa (placenta covers cervix) or placental abruption (placenta detached from the wall of the uterus), Tissue (retention of placenta or membranes causing atony), Thrombin (coagulopathy) - fibrin deposit at maternal blood vessels causing endothelial damage, decreases maternal coagulation
What is the goal of fundal massage and how does it work?
Fundal massage is thought to promote uterine contraction through local prostaglandin release which can cause the uterus to contract to reduce bleeding (bleeding commonly occurs after the placenta has detached from the uterus and is birthed and the vessels that were connecting it remain uncontracted and bleed).
How does oxytocin assist PPH? (Mechanim of action)
Oxytocin is a synthetic pituitary gland hormone that stimulates uterine muscle contraction which aids PPPH as uterine atony is the most common cause
Why do we provide O2 to this patient? Under which specific guideline?
Hypoxia is one of the leading causes of uterine atony and increases oxygenenation through inhaled 100% O2 can promote uterine contraction in the haemorrhaging patient. High flow O2 is indicated under the oxygen therapy guideline.
What symptoms would we see in this patient? Why? (patho -hypovoloaemic shock)
Dizzy, nauseous, pale, altered conscious state, weak, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, PV bleeding
What is Cushing’s triad and why does it happen?
Hypertension (widened pulse pressure) due to detection of poor CPP due to haemorrhage body compensations by inducing a sympathetic response to increase blood pressure and therefore perfusion to the brain, baroreceptors detect a sudden rise in BP and create a parasympathetic response resulting in bradycardia, irregular respirations occur due to pressure on the brain stem which controls breathing
What is Cushing’s triad and why does it happen?
Hypertension (widened pulse pressure) due to detection of poor CPP due to haemorrhage body compensations by inducing a sympathetic response to increase blood pressure and therefore perfusion to the brain, baroreceptors detect a sudden rise in BP and create a parasympathetic response resulting in bradycardia, irregular respirations occur due to pressure on the brain stem which controls breathing
Define concussion
When the brain shakes within the skull due to mild-moderate force causing shearing of neurons without structural damage - can cause confusion, LOC, drowsiness and visual disturbances
What is the formula for CPP?
CPP = MAP - ICP
What is normal ICP range?
5-15mmHg
List the three priorities under care objectives for head injury
Optimize ventilation, oxygen and cerebral perfusion - in order to prevent secondary brain injury A B C
What is a secondary head injury?
Occurs after the initial insult due to ongoing ischaemia, oedema and haemorrhage
Occurs after the initial insult due to ongoing ischaemia, oedema and haemorrhage
“Damage to brain and skull through trauma
Shearing / tearing of neurons or vessels
Blood leaves intravascular space causing oedema
Swelling in fixed cranium increases ICP
Detected by body, increases MAP to improve cerebral perfusion
Bleeding and oedema worsens, ICP increases
Baroreceptors detect HTN and parasympathetic response causes bradycardia
Pressure on brain stem causes coning and irregular respirations
Cerebral herniation, papilloedema, vision problems, nausea vomiting, ALOC, cerebral ischaemia”
Why do we avoid NPA or OPA?
Has the potential to induce gag reflex therefore vomiting which will further raise ICP
What are our target vitals for managing TBI?
SPO2>95%, EtCO2 30-35, ventilate at 6-7mls/kg, BP>120
Why do we withold midazolam in the combative head injured patient?
Hypoxia is one of the “H’s” causes of secondary brain injury. Midazolam may cause respiratory depression which could worsen cerebral hypoxia, therefore copious pain relief or ketamine is the preferred method of sedation.
What is the recommended on scene time for major trauma?
20 minutes for non-trapped major trauma patient
When to consider respiratory tract burns?
Burns to upper face, neck and torso, airway oedema, singed facial hair, sooty sputum, hypoxia, enclosed space, respiratory distress (BOSSHER)
Why do electrical burns put kidney function at risk?
During electrocution when organs such as the kidneys come in the circuit of the current it can cause significant cellular damage. Additionally, electrical injury to muscles can cause leaking of myoglobin through rhabdomyolysis which can cause renal failure from renal vasoconstriction and direct myoglobin toxicity.
What are the major burns services in Victoria?
Alfred or RCH - transport here if within 60 minutes
Describe pathophysiology of burns
“Exposure to heat causing cell damage / death
Release of inflammatory mediators
Increased vascular permeability and vasodilation to allow recruitment of mediators
Fluid shift from intravascular to interstitial space (relative fluid loss)
Hypotension, compensatory tachycardia
Hypothermia due to inability to retain heat through skin and fluid loss
Large TBSA can cause SIRS = tissue hypoperfusion, MODS and death”
Type of fluid loss associated with burns
Relative and Actual
Describe the 5 H’s of secondary brain injury
- Hypoxia
- Neurons need oxygen to maintain aerobic respiration and function normally
- Hypotension
- Neurons need adequate CBF in order to maintain oxygenation status
- Hypoglycemia
- Neurons need adequate glucose supply to function normally
- Hypercapnia
- Increased CO2 levels in the blood cause vasodilation & increased bleeding
- Hypocapnia
Decreased CO2 levels in the blood cause vasoconstriction & reduced CBF
Define SVT
Tachydysrhythmia arising from above the ventricles (bundle of His)
What is the difference between AVNRT and AVRT?
AVNRT (more common) is often triggerred by a PAC that arrives while an impulse is travelling down the slow pathway as the fast pathway is still refractory, then as that refractory period ends it travels retrogradely up the fast pathway and gets stuck in a circuit between the two pathways in the bundle of HIS. AVRT is due to an accessory pathway that exists, e.g. in patients with WPW; with a PAC the accessory pathway can form a re-entry circuit between it and the AV node
List other types of narrow complex tachycardias
Atrial tachycardia, rapid AF, atrial flutter, sinus tachycardia
How do we detect SVT?
Regular, narrow QRS, no P waves (hidden in QRS), rate>100 (usually faster), may have rate-related ST depression
How do you perform valsalva?
Patient either semi-recumbent or supine, to blow forcefully for 15 seconds into 10mL syringe then lay semi-recumbent pt supine with legs at 45 degrees for 15 seconds x3