Medical Emergencies Flashcards
what are the principles of emergency management ?
check responsiveness, airway and oxygen, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure
why are dental patients at risk of upper airways obstruction ?
blood or saliva in the mouth for long periods of time,
LA may diminish normal protective pharyngeal reflexes,
dental equipment in mouth for long periods
what are the commonest problems for dental patients regarding compromised airways ?
foreign body aspiration and laryngospasm
what are the signs of an upper airway obstruction ?
paradoxical chest and abdominal movements,
use of accessory muscles of respiration,
central cyanosis - late sign
what are the signs of partial airway obstruction ?
inspiratory stridor - obstruction at or above the larynx,
expiratory wheeze - lower airway obstruction,
gurgling,
snoring
what is the management for airway obstruction ?
head tilt, chin lift, jaw thrust
remove visible foreign body
airway adjuncts
high flow oxygen
what medical conditions present with breathing problems ?
hyperventilation, asthma, angina, heart failure
what are the signs of respiratory distress ?
sweating, central cyanosis, use of accessory muscles of respiration, abdominal breathing
what is the normal respiratory rate for adults ?
12-20 breaths per min
what is the normal respiratory rate for children ?
20-30 breaths per minute
what is the management for inadequate breathing ?
bag and mask/pocket mask,
ambulance
what is hyperventilation ?
minute ventilation exceeds metabolic demands resulting in haemodynamic changes
what are the symptoms of hyperventilation ?
shortness of breath/wheeze, chest pain/palpitations, belching, dry mouth, dizziness, paraesthesia/circumoral numbness
what is the management for hyperventilation ?
encourage re-breathing of CO2 through paper bag
small dose of benzodiazepines e.g. lorazepam
what is asthma ?
more than one of wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness, cough
when is asthma worse ?
at night/early hours
exercise
allergens
what are the risk factors for severe asthma ?
previous hospitalisation, repeated ED attendances, require more than 3 medications, heavy use of beta 2 agonist, brittle asthma
what are the potential precipitants of acute asthma in the dental setting ?
sulphites in vasoconstrictors may case bronchospasm,
sedatives and general anaesthetics,
penicillin allergy
what drugs may precipitate and asthma attack ?
NSAIDs, aspirin, barbiturates, beta blockers, cyanoacrylates, mefanamic acid, morphine, pancuronium, suxamethonium
what are the symptoms of severe asthma ?
inability to complete sentences in one breath,
RR > 25 per min
tachycardia > 110
use of accessory muscles