Medical Emergencies 1 Flashcards
What conditions can lead to adverse health effects
Diabetes ischaemic heart disease allergies asthma polypharmacy
Principles to check in an emergency?
ABCDE- airway (oxygen), breathing, circulation, disability and exposure
Why may dental patients be more at risk?
LA can reduce pharyngeal reflexes
the mouth is open for prolonged periods of time
What are common problems?
laryngospasm and foreign body aspiration
Upper airway obstruction? indications?
coughing/ spluttering
difficulty breathing
sudden onset
How to asses upper airway obstruction?
Look and listen
see if they have changed colour (cyanosis is a late effect) /effort of breathing and any abdominal movements
listen for additional sounds
upper partial obstruction?
inspiratory stridor suggests upper airway
expiratory wheeze suggests lower airway obstruction
What does gurgling suggest?
liquid in upper airway
Management of upper airway?
remove foreign object
head tilt and jaw thrust
high flow of oxygen
What breathing difficulty problems can present?
asthma
angina
heart failure
hyperventilation
what are signs of respiratory distress?
cyanosis
use of abdnominal muscles
sweating
use of accessory muscles
what is normal respiratory state?
Count the respiratory rate
• Normal adult rate 12-20 breaths per minute
• Normal child rate 20-30 breaths per minute
• An increasing rate suggests that the individual may be in trouble
• If the rate drops considerably, this is more ominous
Management of breathing difficulty?
- Use bag and mask to assist patient
- Use a pocket mask if untrained
- Call for an ambulance
What is hyperventilation?
Minute ventilation
exceeds metabolic
demands resulting in
haemodynamic changes
What are symptoms of hyperventilation?
- Shortness of breath/ wheeze
- Chest pain/ palpitations
- Belching/ dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Paraesthesia/ circumoral numbness
