Principles of Resus Flashcards
What is the definition of resuscitation?
correcting physiological disorders in an acutely unwell patient
Describe the pathophysiology of cardiorespiratory arrest?
Combination of:
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
=> Inadequate O2 delivery = organ failure
=> Vital organ failure can = cardio-respiratory arrest
What pre-arrest symptoms do 80% of patients display before they arrest?
tachypnoea
tachycardia
hypotension
reduced conscious level
How do you complete a rapid assessment of an acutely unwell patient?
General impression A B C D E
Why may a hospital bed not be the best position for resuscitation of a patient?
Clutter (tables and chest of drawers etc)
Head of patient is too close to wall to perform ABCDE/CPR
What can potentially block an airway
Object Obstruction
Swelling
Blood/fluid
Do all patients get high flow oxygen on admission to A&E?
YES
unless they are regular patients known to retain CO2
How can circulation be assessed?
Pulse assessment
Blood Pressure
Cap Refill Time
ECG
What signs can be used to determine if the patient has adequate perfusion?
Colour
Conscious level
What is used to prevent bleeding in a pelvic fracture
pelvic binder
makes pelvis smaller => less space for blood to bleed into
What type of cannula is best to use in trauma and where should it be inserted?
Grey (large bore)
inserted centrally
If a patient has no IV access, what can be achieved instead?
IO access
via humeral head
How much fluid is usually given in a trauma case?
250-500ml bag of fluid
beware fluid overload in cardiac patients
What should you asses in “Disability” of ABCDE?
AVPU
Glucose
Pupils
What should be noted in the expose section of ABCDE?
Colour
Rashes
Blood loss
Drains
