MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Flashcards
1
Q
What are Medical emergencies?
A
Any situation in which the condition or status of a patient suddenly changes requiring immediate medical attention.
2
Q
What will be the role of a Radiographer in Medical emergencies?
A
The radiographer must be able to identify medical emergencies and respond to them accordingly.
3
Q
If in any Emergency situations how would a radiographer respond to emergency priority?
A
Radiographers should call for assistance as quickly as possible when responding to a medical emergency.
4
Q
What are some of these Priorities of the radiographer in medical emergencies?
A
Priorities: (should be done in order starting with #1)
1. Ensure an open airway
2. Control bleeding
3. Prevent or treat shock
4. Attend to wounds and/or fractures
5. Provide emotional support
5. Re-evaluate and follow up as appropriate
5
Q
What must the Radiographer know about Emergency carts, AKA CRASH CARTS?
A
- You must know where the department crash cart is located.
-Become familiar with the crash cart contents and their locations.
-A wheeled container of equipment and drugs needed to handle typical life-threatening emergencies.
6
Q
What items or contents can be found in the CRASH CART?
A
-Equipment (i.e. Ambu bag, tourniquet, ET tubes, gloves, stethoscope, suction catheters, syringes, needles, trach tubes)
alcohol pads
-Drugs (i.e. Benadryl, Epinephrine, Dilantin, Levophed, Atropine, Decadron, Lasix)
-Solutions (i.e. Alcohol, Saline)
7
Q
Common Emergency drugs found on an Emergency Crash cart?
A
Adenocard–Arrhythmias
Atropine—Bradycardia
Benadryl—Allergic Reaction
Cordarone—Arrhythmias
Decadron—Allergic Reaction
Dilantin—Seizures
Dobutrex—Shock
Epinephrine (Adrenalin)—Cardiac Arrest, Anaphylaxis
Heparin—-Anticoagulant
Intropin—-Shock
Isoptin—-Arrhythmias
Lasix—-Edema
Levoped—Shock
Pronestyl—-Arrhythmias
Sodium Bicarbonate—Metabolic Acidosis
Xylocaine- Arrhythmias
8
Q
What are some Radiology EMERGENCIES?
A
-Shock
-Anaphylaxis- LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIC REACTION
-Pulmonary embolus- PE BLOCKAGE IN LUNGS
-Diabetic reactions-HYPO/HYPERGLYCMA
-Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)- stroke
-Cardiac and respiratory failure
-Syncope-fainting/PASSING OUT
-Seizures
9
Q
Why is it important for a radiographer to understand the basic assessment of patients with head injuries during radiographic examinations?
A
The radiographer must understand that basic assessment of patients with head injuries so that they may respond to changes in the patient’s condition during radiographic examinations
10
Q
What is the simplest method to evaluate the extent of a head injury in a patient?
A
The simplest way to check the extent of a head injury is to check the level of consciousness of the patient.
11
Q
When a patient gets a HEAD INJURIE, how soon after do clinical symptoms manifest?
A
Clinical symptoms may not manifest right away.
12
Q
What are some symptoms of HEAD INJURIES?
A
Hematoma
Brain swelling
13
Q
Which modality is the preferred modality for assessing head injuries?
A
CT ( COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY)
CT is particularly valuable for identifying conditions such as hematomas, brain swelling, fractures, and other structural changes.
14
Q
WHAT ARE SOME LEVELS OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS?
A
-ALERT & CONSCISOUNESS
-DROWSY
-UNCONSCIOUS BUT REACTS TO PAINFUL STIMULI
-COMATOSE
-LETHARGY
15
Q
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PATIENT IS “ALERT & CONSCIOUS” ?
A
The patient can respond to questions and other stimuli.
16
Q
How severe is being ALERT AND CONSCIOUS?
A
IT IS THE LEAST SEVERE OUT OF ALL THE LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
17
Q
How do you know when a patient is DROWSY?
A
the patient is drowsy but can respond when spoken to loudly or touched with gentle physical contact.
18
Q
How do you know when a patient reacts to painful stimuli when unconscious?
A
The patent is unconscious but reacts to painful stimuli – the patient will not usually respond to voices but will respond to painful pinpricks and pinches.
19
Q
What is COMATOSE?
A
the patient does not respond to any stimuli.
20
Q
What is LETHARGY?
A
IT IS THE abnormal drowsiness, stupor (a state of mental numbness).
21
Q
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS WE SHOULD KNOW OUR PATIENTS?
A
WE SHOULD FIRST
-Assess the patient at the beginning of the procedure.
-Note signs of deterioration from one level of consciousness to another
-Deteriorating head injury
22
Q
What is GLASGOW COMA SCALE?
A
The Glasgow Coma Scale is a scale that is used to assess the severity of a brain injury.
23
Q
What Values does the Glasgow coma scale consists?
A
3 to 15
24
Q
How are the values obtained?
A
The scale consists of values from 3 to 15 obtained by adding the ratings assigned to three variables of how the patient responds to certain stimuli.
25
What are the 3 types of stimuli from Glasgow Coma scale?
1. Opening the eyes
2. Giving a verbal response
3. Giving a motor response (reflex after a physical stimulus i.e. Pinprick)
26
WHAT ARE THE 3 GLASGOW COMA SCALE SCORES?
-SEVERE- 8
-MODERATE- 9-12
-MILD-13-15
27
WHAT WOULD THE SCORE BE FOR "SEVERE"?
-A"SEVERE" SCORE WOULD BE CONSIDERED A LOW SCORE- BELOW 8
A SEVERE SCORE INDICATES POOR CHANCE OF RECOVERY
28
WHAT WOULD THE SCORE BE FOR MODERATE?
A MEDIAN SCORE( BETWEEN 9-12)
29
WHAT WOULD THE SCORE BE FOR MILD?
MILD WOULD BE A HIGH SCORE OF 13-15
-INDICATES A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF FULL RECOVERY
30
What are the Signs of Deteriorating Head Injuries?
-SUDDEN IRRITABILITY
-LETHARGY
-SLOWING PULSE RATE
-SLOWING RESPIRATORY RATE
-Change in level of consciousness (LOC)
31
HOW WOULD RADIOGRAPHERS RESPOND TO "Deteriorating Head Injuries"?
1.MAINTAIN
2. STOP
3.MONITER
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FIRST STEP HOW WOULD YOU MAINTAIN?
Firstly, maintain an open airway and move the patient as little as possible.
33
NEXT, WHAT WOULD YOU STOP?
Stop the radiographic procedure and get medical assistance.
34
WHAT WOULD WE MONITOR FOR THE PATIENT?
Maintain the patients Vital Signs
35
What is a SHOCK?
A SHOCK Is a failure of the circulating system to support vital body functions
36
What are the 3 stages of SHOCK?
-COMPENSATORY STAGE- STAGE 1
-PROGRESSIVE STAGE- STAGE 2
-IRREVERSIBLE STAGE- STAGE 3
37
What are some SIGNS OF Compensatory stage ?
- COLD, CLAMMY SKIN
-DECREASED URINE OUTPUT
-INCREASED RESPIRATION
-Hypoactive bowel sounds
-Normal BP
-Increased anxiety level of patient
-
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What are some SIGNS OF the Progressive stage ?
BP falls
Respirations are rapid and shallow
Severe pulmonary edema
Tachycardia
Patient complains of chest pain
Confused mental state
Problems occur with kidneys, liver, bowel, and spleen
39
What are some SIGNS OF the IRREVERSIBLE stage ?
BP remains low
Renal and liver failure occur
Release of necrotic tissue toxins
Overwhelming lactic acidosis
40
What are 6 types of SHOCK?
Hypovolemic shock
Septic shock
Cardiogenic shock
Neurogenic shock
Vasogenic shock
Anaphylactic shock
41
What is a HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK?
Abnormally low volume of circulating blood throughout the body.
May be due to internal (bleeding of the GI tract or other internal bleeding) or external bleeding (from cuts or injury).
Immediate response – stop bleeding if possible
42
What is a CARDIOGENIC SHOCK?
Failure of the heart to pump an adequate amount of blood to vital organs.
Cardiogenic shock is a disease state where the heart is damaged enough that it is unable to supply sufficient blood to the body.
43
What is a Vasogenic Shock?
Shock means inadequate tissue perfusion by oxygen-carrying blood. In vasogenic shock, this circulatory failure results from vasodilation and/or vasoplegia.
The three subtypes are septic, neurogenic shock, and Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid.
Due to sepsis, deep anesthesia, or anaphylaxis.
44
What is a SEPTIC SHOCK?
Severe systemic infection, a consequence of poor practice of medical and surgical asepsis.
Septic shock is a serious, abnormal condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to low blood pressure and low blood flow. Vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver may not function properly or may fail.
45
What is a Neurogenic shock?
Shock results from damaged nerve tissue.
May be the result of a spinal cord injury, severe pain, neurological damage, extreme psychological stress, or the effects of spinal anesthesia.
46
What is an Anaphylactic Shock (ALLERGIC SHOCK) ?
Is a type of vasogenic shock encountered when patients have a severe allergic reaction. (In radiology, anaphylactic shock may be due to an iodinated contrast media).
47
What can the reactions be like for Anaphylactic shock?
Reactions can be mild to severe.
48
What are Mild reactions treated with, what medications?
Mild reactions are treated with an antihistamine (ALLERGY DRUG MEDICATION)
49
What type of Body temperature may the Anaphylactic shock have?
Stabilize body temperature
50
What severe Reaction can happen after Anaphlactic shock that will REQUIRE CPR?
Severe reactions such as cardiac arrest require CPR.
51
What is Anaphylaxis?
condition of shock that is the result of a severe allergic reaction
52
A symptom of ANAPHYLAXIS (ALLERGIC REACTION)
IS URTICARIA- WHICH ARE HIVES
53
Difference between ANAPHYLAXIS VS ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK
Anaphylaxis is the allergic reaction, while anaphylactic shock is the severe outcome of that reaction when circulatory collapse occurs.
54
What are some symptoms of Shock?
-Anxiety or agitation
-Confusion
-Pale, cool clammy skin]
-low or no urine output
-bluish lips or fingernails
-Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness
-Profuse sweating, moist skin
-Rapid but weak pulse
-Shallow Breathing with increased Inspirations
- Chest pain
- Unconsciousness
55
How can we prevent a shock?
-MAINTAIN NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE
-AVOID OVERHEATING
-MINIMIZE THE PATIENTS STRESS, PAIN AND ANXIETY
56
A DIABETIC CRIS CAN BE?
DIABETES (DIABETES MELLITUS)
57
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease involving a disorder of carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism which affects the structure and function of the blood vessels or other organs of the body.
58
What type of disorder is DIABETES?
Diabetes is a disorder of insulin availability.
59
Where is Insulin produced?
Insulin is produced by the pancreas
60
What does Insulin control?
Controls blood sugar
61
What are the 3 types of Diabetes?
- TYPE I- INSULIN DEPENDENT
-TYPE II- NON- INSULIN DEPENDENT
- GESTATIONAL DIABETES-DEVELOPS DURING PREGNANCY
62
What is Type I DIABETES?
TYPE I IS INSULIN DEPENDENT
63
What is Type II DIABETES?
NON- INSULIN DEPENDENT
64
WHAT IS GESTATIONAL DIABETES?
DEVELOPS DURING PREGNANCY
65
Type I Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent)
-In diabetes type 1, the pancreas does not make insulin, because the body's immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
Type I Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent)
What it is: The body stops making insulin because the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.
Who gets it: Usually starts in kids or young adults.
Treatment: Requires insulin injections every day
66
Type II Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent)
What it is:
-The pancreas produces less insulin than the body needs over time.
-The body becomes resistant to insulin, meaning it doesn’t use insulin properly to move glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells for energy
The body doesn’t use insulin properly, or it doesn’t make enough.
Who gets it: Common in adults, especially those who are overweight or inactive.
Treatment: Managed with healthy eating, exercise, pills, or sometimes insulin.
67
WHAT IS HYPOGLYCEMIA?
Excessive amount of insulin in the body
68
How does Hypoglycemia occurs?
Hypoglycemia occurs when your body’s blood sugar, or glucose, is abnormally low.
69
What term is used to describe severe hypoglycemia that results in unconsciousness?
The term "INSULIN SHOCK" is used to describe severe hypoglycemia that results in unconsciousness.
70
How can hypoglycemia result?
Hypoglycemia may result when the patient takes his/her usual amount of insulin but is fasting for a radiographic exam.
71
What amount of blood glucose level would a hypoglycemic person have?
-EXCESS AMOUNT OF INSULIN IN THE BLOOD
-BLOOD GLUCOSE FALL BELOW 50- 60MG/DL
Hypoglycemia occurs when a person having diabetes has an excess amount of insulin in their bloodstream or when blood glucose levels fall below 50 to 60 mg/dl.
72
What would the treatment be for HYPOGLYCEMIA ?
Glucose tablets or any form of carbohydrate. (e.g., Orange juice, candy bar, or sugared soft drink).
Patients who suffer from hypoglycemia are usually able to recognize the condition before it becomes serious.
The patient usually carries a form of carbohydrate for emergencies.
It will take 10 to 15 minutes for the carbohydrate to take effect.
Never give food or drink to an unconscious patient.
73
What are some Symptoms of Hypoglycemia?
Intense hunger
Weakness
Sweating excessively
Confusion
Irritable
Hostile
74
What is Hyperglycemia?
Excessive sugar in the blood.
75
What amount of blood glucose level would a Hyperglycemic person have?
Loss of effective insulin in the blood. Blood sugar levels are more than 600 mg/dl.
76
What condition can develop if left untreated?
Condition develops gradually and if left untreated may progress to a diabetic coma.
77
Is medical attention necessary to administer insulin to the patient?
Medical attention is necessary to administer insulin to the patient.
78
Hyperglycemic patients are they a priority?
Xray first
Patients waiting for prep x-ray exams who are NPO should be a priority.
Radiology departments routinely keep crackers and juice available for patients who have been fasting.
79
What are the treatments for Hyperglycemia?
Insulin Injections
Dietary changes and exercise plans can also help manage your blood sugar to prevent hyperglycemia.
For people with Type 2 diabetes who don’t require injected insulin, lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and exercise, as well as oral diabetes medications, can help manage hyperglycemia
80
What are the symptoms of Hyperglycemia?
Sweating
Excessive thirst and urination
Dry mucosa
Rapid deep breathing
Drowsiness and Confusion
Coma
81
What is an an example of RESPIRATORY DISTRESS?
ASTHMA
82
What is Asthma?
is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
83
What should the Radiographer do if the patient gets an asthma attack?
1. Stop the procedure
2. Help the patient into a sitting position
3. Allow the patient to use their medical inhaler if available
4.Seek medical assistance
84
What is Choking?
An airway obstruction
85
What is a Universal sign of choking ?
the patient/victim clutches their neck with their hands
86
What are some symptoms of AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION?
Choking, coughing
Unable to speak
Patient may hold throat
Face becomes red
Loss of consciousness
87
How should a Radiographer respond to a choking patient?
-Encourage the patient to cough
-Check mouth for foreign object
-Perform Abdominal Thrusts
-If unsuccessful, begin CPR to force obstruction up.
-Check the mouth for obstruction before each set of ventilations.
88
What is an ABDOMINAL THRUSTS?
A series of abdominal thrusts to the middle of the abdomen causing the foreign object to be expelled out of the mouth.
89
WHAT IS THE ABDOMINAL THRUST PROCEDURE?
Procedure:
-Rescuer stands behind the choking victim
-Place closed fist in the middle of the abdomen just above the navel and below the ribs
-Place second hand over closed fist
-Apply 5 sharp thrusts pushing inward and upward
-Pause and repeat until the object is dislodged
90
WHERE WOULD YOU PLACE YOUR FIST WHEN DOING ABDOMAL THRUST FOR A PREGNANT WOMAN?
Do not perform abdominal thrusts but perform chest thrusts instead by standing behind the patient and applying pressure to the mid sternum.
91
WHERE WOULD YOU PLACE YOUR FIST WHEN DOING ABDOMAL THRUST FOR A INFANT PATIENTS?
Apply a combination of back blows and chest thrusts.
Location of the back blows – between the infant scapulas
Location of chest thrusts – two or three fingers are placed on the middle of the sternum just below the nipples.
92
How does a patient get an OBSTRUCTED AIRWAY?
If the foreign object is visible in the open mouth, the rescuer should perform a finger sweep.
If unsuccessful, begin CPR to force obstruction up.
Check the mouth for obstruction before each set of ventilations.
93
What is CARDIAC ARREST?
Sudden cessation of the circulatory function of the heart.
94
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS Of a Cardiac Arrest?
Chest pain
Pain radiating down the left arm
Unconsciousness
No pulse
95
HOW SHOULD A radiographer responD to a Cardiac Arrest?
Call a code
Get the crash cart
Assist with CPR procedures
Perform CPR
96
WHAT IS AED?
AED (Automated External Defibrillator):
An AED is a portable medical device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest
97
What do we use a AED FOR?
Used for ventricular fibrillation
98
WHAT ARE 2 TYPES OF AED?
Two types
Fully automatic
Semiautomatic
99
RADIOGRAPHERS SHOULD WITH AED?
-Become familiar with the operation
-May interrupt CPR
100
What is STROKE?
The blood supply to a portion of the brain has been cut off.
101
What are other names for STROKE?
-Stroke also called Apoplexy,
-CVA (cerebral vascular accident),
-brain attack
102
WHAT CAUSES STROKE (CVA)?
CVA) hemorrhage into or around the tissues of the brain caused by occlusion (blockage) of the blood supply or rupture of a cerebral artery. If the flow of blood in an artery supplying the brain is interrupted for longer than a few seconds, brain cells can die, causing permanent damage.
103
What will happen if the flow of blood in an artery supplying the brain is interrupted?
If the flow of blood in an artery supplying the brain is interrupted for longer than a few seconds, brain cells can die, causing permanent damage.
104
How long after when the blood supply yo the brain is interrupted can brain cells die?
If longer than a few seconds
105
What type of damage can it cause?
permanent damage.
106
In a STROKE, the damage caused may be ?
MILD OR SEVERE
107
When can a STROKE HAPPEN?
The stroke may occur suddenly w/o warning or the symptoms may be gradual over time.
108
What a SEVERE STROKE MAY REQUIRE?
A severe may require intervention with CPR.
109
What is TIA (TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK)?
-IT IS A MILD STROKE
-SMALL BLEEDS IN THE BRAIN
110
With the TIA if any symptoms of stroke is Suspected what should the radiographer do?
If any symptoms of a stroke are suspected the radiographer should immediately report the symptoms and caution should be used in moving the patient.
111
WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF STROKE?
-Severe headache
-Patient unable the speak (aphasia)
-Difficult speech (dysphasia) including slurred speech, inability to speak
-Muscle weakness or loss of paralysis (i.e. An arm, leg or side of the face)
-Eye deviation, loss of vision
-Stiff neck
-Dizziness
-Nausea or vomiting
-Loss of consciousness
112
If one or more of those symptoms of a stroke is present for more than 24 hours, it may be?
It may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
113
WHAT IS A TIA?
A TIA is a temporary loss of brain function and a warning sign for a possible more serious stroke in the future.
114
How should Radiographers respond to stroke?
-Report incident to nurse or a physician
-Do not stand or move the patient
-CPR may be required
115
WHAT IS A MINOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES?
-NAUSEA AND VOMITING
-ASPIRATION
116
What is NAUSEA?
Nausea is the sensation of having an urge to vomit.
117
WHAT IS Vomiting?
Vomiting is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth.
118
What kind of Basin should a radiographer always have available?
The radiographer should have an EMESIS basin available in case the patient does vomit.
119
WHAT SHOULD THE RADIOPGRAHER DO IF A PATIENT BECOMES NAUSEOUS DURING AN X RAY EXAM?
If the patient becomes nauseous during an x-ray procedure the radiographer should have the patient sit upright and instruct them to take deep breaths.
120
What should the radiographer do If the patient vomits during an x-ray procedure ?
Immediately turn the patient onto their side to prevent the patient from ASPIRATING the vomit. Turning their head will prevent them from swallowing the vomit.
121
What is ASPIRATION?
– the taking of foreign matter (vomit) into the lungs
122
What is an EMESIS BASIN?
a kidney-shaped receptacle to capture and hold vomit. Emesis basins are plastic and disposable.
123
What should a patient do when having an EPITASIS (NOSEBLEED)?
The patient should be instructed to lean forward and pinch the affected nostril while applying pressure with the fingers
124
When a patient is having EPITASIS/NOSEBLEED, what must they never be allowed to do?
Patients should never be allowed to lie down or tilt their head backward while having a nosebleed. If gentle pressure does not stop the bleeding, then a moist cool compress can be applied.
125
If gentle pressure does not stop the bleeding?
A moist cool compress can be applied.
126
When should Emergency medical assistance should be obtained when nose is bleeding?
Emergency medical assistance should be obtained if the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes.
127
WHAT IS VERTIGO?
is a feeling that you are dizzily turning around or that things are dizzily turning you around
128
What is DIZZINESS?
Dizziness is a medical term that describes a variety of conditions ranging from light-headedness, and unsteadiness to vertigo.
129
WHICH PATIENT USUALLY EXPERIENCES THIS IN THE EXAM ROOM?
Patients who sit up after lying on an X-ray table may experience vertigo
130
What should we so when patient is having a VERTIGO?
Slowly move the patient and allow the patient to sit upright until the symptoms pass
-Never leave the patient’s side while dizziness is present
131
What new some causes of DIZZINESS?
Dizziness is a painless head discomfort with many possible causes including disturbances of vision,
the brain, balance (vestibular) system of the inner ear, and gastrointestinal system
132
WHAT IS SYNCOPE?
a temporary suspension of consciousness. Fainting is also called syncope.
133
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FAINTING?
-Skin pallor (lack of color especially of the face)
-Hyperpnea (abnormally rapid or deep breathing)
-Cold and clammy skin
134
How should a Radiographer respond to SYNCOPE?
Lie the patient down to prevent falling.
Elevate the feet to increase the blood flow to the brain.
Loosen tight clothing
Moist compress may be applied to the patient’s forehead
Check respiration and pulse
135
WHAT ARE SEIZURES?
A brief episode in which the brain’s electrical system is overloaded and malfunctions.
A seizure may be mild or severe.
Seizures indicate a brain disorder.
136
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF SEIZURE?
May cry out, rapidly exhaled air.
May exhibit jerky body movements
Respirations irregular
May vomit
(turn the patient on their side so that they do not aspirate)
Muscles become rigid
Blood-streaked saliva (patient may bite their tongue)
Eyes open wide
Urinary or fecal incontinence
May froth at the mouth
Usually falls into a deep sleep following the seizure
-CHILDREN GETS IT MOST?
137
WHAT IS A COMA?
A profound state of unconsciousness
138
What is PETIT MAL SEIZURE?
very small almost unnoticed seizure
139
What is GRAND MAL SEIZURE?
severe seizure
140
What is Incontinence?
inability to control body excretions.
141
What are 2 types of INCONTIENCE?
Urinary incontinence
Fecal incontinence
142
WHAT IS Urinary incontinence?
- is the inability to keep urine in the bladder
143
What is Fecal incontinence?
is the inability to retain feces in the rectum
144
How should radiographers respond to SEIZURES?
-Prevent the patient from injury
If possible, move the patient to the floor
-Place a pillow under the head or rest the patient’s head with your thigh so they do not hit their head on the floor.
-Loosen clothing and place the patient in a protective position to minimize injury.
-Do not restrain the patient
-Do not place a hand or object in the mouth (the patient is not in danger of swallowing their tongue)
-After the seizure ensure an open airway.
145
What IS THE RECOVERY POSITION WHEN SEIZURES?
- ROLL PATIENT UNTO LEFT SIDE
NOTE:The recovery position is a safe and effective position to place someone in after they’ve had a seizure, especially if they are unconscious but breathing. It helps keep the airway open and prevents choking on saliva, vomit, or other fluids
146
WHAT ARE FALLS?
-Every precaution should be taken to prevent a patient from falling in the radiology department.
-Assist the patient as needed.
-Never allow the patient to move self-unassisted onto and off the X-ray table.
-The radiographer should allow the patient to do as much as possible themselves, but the radiographer must be positioned directly next to the patient in case assistance is needed.
Transport the patient in a wheelchair or on a stretcher if needed.
Do not leave a patient alone on an x-ray table if they cannot stay by themselves.
If a patient falls get help and report the incident to a supervisor even if the patient appears unhurt.
Signs of an injury may be delayed.
147
WOUNDS FROM?
-HEMORRHAGE
-BURNS
148
WHAT IS HEMORRHAGE?
bleeding outside of a vessel.
Apply pressure to the bleeding site.
(Clotting may take 10 minutes of applied pressure).
If the wound is on an extremity, elevate the wound above the level of the heart to slow the blood flow.
149
What are BURNS?
an injury or damage to the tissues by exposure to fire, heat, or radiation.
150
How should you maintain a burn?
Maintain sterile precautions for burn sites.
(e.g., Sterile drapes, gloves, etc.)
Cover the cassette with a sterile drape.
Be gentle when transferring or positioning a patient, burns are often very painful injuries.
151
What is WOUND DEHISCENCE?
wound dehiscence is the separating of surgical site sutures allowing the abdominal organs to exit the abdominal cavity.
152
HOW TO CARE FOR WOUND DEHISCENCE?
Completely cover the wound with a sterile dressing.
Have the patient slightly lean forward in a seated position to relieve additional pressure on the abdomen.
Obtain medical assistance quickly.
153
CONLUSION
1 Recognize emergency conditions and act appropriately
2 Ask for assistance in any emergency
3 Maintain competency with basic emergency skills.
4 Become certified in CPR and AED use.
5.USE YOUR MEDICAL COMMON SENSE IN EMERGENCIES
154
END
END
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