Near Drowning Flashcards
Near drowning
Near Drowning
Near drowning refers to a situation where a person is submerged in water and is unable to breathe but survives with some degree of oxygenation to the brain. It can lead to serious complications depending on the duration of submersion and the water temperature.
Causes
Causes
Accidental submersion (e.g., swimming, boating accidents)
Children left unsupervised near water
Alcohol or drug use while swimming
Seizures or medical conditions causing loss of consciousness
Symptoms
Symptoms
Early Symptoms:
Coughing or choking after coming out of the water
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
Chest pain or tightness
Later Symptoms (due to complications):
Cyanosis (bluish skin from lack of oxygen)
Confusion, altered mental status
Weak pulse, hypotension, shock
Pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs)
Diagonosis
Diagnosis
Clinical Assessment: History of drowning or near-drowning event, symptoms of respiratory distress.
Imaging: Chest X-ray or CT scan to detect pulmonary complications like edema or aspiration.
Laboratory Tests: Arterial blood gases (ABG) to assess oxygen levels and carbon dioxide buildup.
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Management
Management
- Immediate Resuscitation:
Clear the airway and provide rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
Administer oxygen to improve oxygenation.
- Hospital Treatment:
Observation: For patients who are stable but may still develop complications like pulmonary edema.
Mechanical Ventilation: For those with respiratory failure or severe hypoxia.
IV Fluids and Medications: To manage shock or electrolyte imbalances.
- Treatment for Aspiration:
Antibiotics if pneumonia is suspected from aspiration of water.
Complications
Complications
Pulmonary Edema: Fluid buildup in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
Aspiration Pneumonia: Infection due to water or debris inhaled into the lungs.
Hypoxic Brain Injury: Resulting from prolonged lack of oxygen.
Cardiac Arrest: If there is significant water inhalation or if the victim is submerged for too long.
