Medical emergency competency Flashcards
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
* Shaking/trembling * Confusion *Aggitation *Slurring of speech * Headache *Sweating * Headache *Sweating *Aggressive behaviour *Increase in heart rate *Increase in respiratory rate
What actions should be taken in a case of hypoglycaemia?
*Reassure the patient.
*Carry out A-E assessment on patient.
*Administer up to 3 glucose tablets in the early stages where the patient is responsive, co-operative and their gag reflex still intact.
*Administer oxygen, 15 litres per minute.
*If the patient becomes unconscious dial 999 *Administer glucagon by IM on the outer aspect of the thigh (1mg adults, 0.5mg children)
*Where patient regains consciousness, administer oral glucose
What are the signs and symptoms of syncope?
*Light headed. *Dizzy *Nausea *Pale *Slow heart rate *Loss of consciousness
What actions should be taken in the event of syncope?
*Raise patients legs above their head
*Loosen tight clothing, keep the patient cool and ventilate the room
*Administer oxygen at 15 litres per minute
*Assess and reassure the patient
What are the signs and symptoms of a severe acute asthma attack?
*Inability to complete a sentence in one breath.
*Increased heart rate.
*Increased respiratory rate.
*Audible wheeze.
What actions should be taken in the case of a severe acute asthma attack?
*Reassure patient.
*Carry out A-E assessment
*Call 999
*Administer salbutamol inhaler via a spacer device for up to ten activations
*Repeat as needed.
*Administer oxygen at 15 litres per minute
*Ensure patient is in a comfortable position
*Continue to reassure and assess the patient
What are the signs and symptoms of a cardiac emergency/ myocardial infarction?
*Chest pain
*Pain in neck, jaw, back, shoulders, arms
*Indigestion
*Shortness of breath
*Pale skin, sweating, clammy
*Nausea, vomiting
*Weak pulse
What actions should be taken in the event of a cardiac emergency?
*Reassure the patient
*Carry out A-E assessment
*Ensure they are sitting and resting
*Administer two activations of GTN spray sublingually
*Give oxygen at 15 litres per minute
*If no improvement, dial 999
*Administer 300mg aspirin, chewed or crushed. Do not give with water
*Continually assess and reassure patient
What are the signs and symptoms of a seizure?
*Vagueness
*Sudden loss of consciousness
*Patient becomes rigid and cyanosed
*Jerking movements of the limbs
*Urinary incontinence
*Frothing at the mouth
What actions should be taken in the event of a seizure?
*Ensure the area is safe
*Do not restrain, support the head if possible.
*Suction in the buccal sulcus may be helpful
*Don’t place anything between the patients teeth
*Make a note of the time
*If the seizure ceases within 3 minutes, place patient in lateral position and administer oxygen at 15 litres per minute and continually assess the patient
*If seizure approaches 5 mins dial 999
*If seizure is prolonged (5 mins) or recurrent administer Midazolam buccally
*10mg adult
7.5mg 5-10 years
5mg 1-5 years
what are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?
*Flushing
*Sweating
*Nausea and abdominal pain
*Possible rash
*Swelling of soft tissues
*Swelling of throat and tongue
*Wheezing
*Difficulty breathing
*Increased heart rate
What actions should be taken in the event of anaphylaxis?
*Reassure the patient
*Carry out A-E assessment
*Dial 999 for ambulance
*Administer oxygen at 15 litres per minute
*Raise patients legs to help restore their BP
*If symptoms are life threatening, administer IM injection of adrenaline into outer aspect of thigh
*Can be repeated after 5 minutes on opposite thigh
*0.5ml adults, 0.3ml 6-12years, 0.15ml 6mo-6yr
*Continue to assess and reassure patient
What is an ABCDE assessment?
Airway; look for signs of airway obstruction
Breathing; Look, listen and feel. Normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths per minute
Circulation; carotid pulse
Disability; Cause of unconsciousness
Exposure; Expose relavent body parts to assess/treat patient
