Lecture 1 Flashcards
What is critical care?
A branch of nursing concerned with the provision of organ or life support
What is a critically ill patient?
Patient that is at a high risk of actual or potential life threatening problems
What is the critical care classification 0 mean?
Patients whose needs can be met by normal ward care
What is the critical care classification 1 mean?
Patients at risk of their condition deteriating, or those recently relocated from higher acuity areas
What is the critical care classification 2 mean?
Patients requiring more detailed observation or intervention including support for a single failing organ system
What is the critical classification 3 mean?
Patients requiring advanced respiratory support alone or basic respiratory support together with atleast 2 organ systems
What are some examples of “at risk” patients
ED admissions, Trauma, Exacerbation of pre-existing disease (e.g Asthma, COPD), severe acute illness, shock, recovering from anesthesia, re-bleed post surgery.
What is the purpose of assessment?
To gather information that is relevant to dealing with actual or potential problems
What types of assessments are used when evaluating at risk patients?
Visual assessment, verbal assessment, Vital signs, risk assessment (scoring tools)
What is ABCDE?
Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability (consciousness), Exposure/Examination
What are some common obstructions of the airway?
Tongue, Vomit/blood, foreign bodies, lowered conscious level
What are some management techniques for upper airway obstruction?
Chin lift/head tilt, Recovery position, oropharangeal airway, suction
