Reversible causes: consider and correct Flashcards
Description of hypoxia
lack of oxygen to brain and vital organs
Diagnosis of hypoxia
Cyanosis, SpO2 <93%, PaO2 <80mmhg
Treatment of hypoxia
Exclude mechanical cause such as obstruction. Administration of high flow, high concentration of oxygen
Description of hypovolaemia
Lack of circulating blood or plasma volume
Diagnosis of hypovolaemia
Obvious blood loss, history of increased HR with decreased BP
Treatment of hypovolaemia
Administration of IV fluids and blood products. Control bleeding
Description of hypothermia
Low core body temperature <35
Description of hyperthermia
High core body temperature >40 - e.g. MH, heat stroke
Treatment of hypothermia
Rewarm patient - bear hugger, warmed IVT, heated ventilation circuit
Provide CPR until temp 30C. Defibrillation is ineffective below this - “you’re not dead until you’re warm and dead”
Treatment of hyperthermia
Active cooling
Description of hypo/hyperkalaemia
Abnormally low or high levels of potassium
Treatment of hypo/hyperkalaemia
Administration of crystalloid IV fluids and electrolyte replacement
Description of tamponade
Blood/fluid trapped and accumulation in the pericardium compressing the heart
Diagnosis of tamponade
Becks triad: muffled heart sounds, elevated CVP with neck vein distension and hypotension
Treatment of tamponade
Pericardiocentesis
Description of tension penumothorax
Air trapped and accumulating in the pleural cavity, compresing the lung, heart and large vesels
Diagnosis of tension pneumothorax
Tracheal deviation - away from affected side, tympany on percussion, absent breath sounds. CXR confirmation
Treatment of tension pneumothorax
Finger thoracostomy between 4-5th ICS, i/o intercostal catheter and UWSD
Description of toxins (poisons, drugs)
Substances ingested, injected or inhaled - accidentally or self harm. May be polypharmacy
Diagnosis of toxins
Confirmation with blood serology. History of same
Treatment of toxins
Antidote or reversal - dependent on cause. Supportive management until definitive treatment identified
Description of thromboembolism
Blood clot in coronary/pulmonary vasculature (MI/PE)
Diagnosis of thromboembolism
history of DVT, CVD, previous MI
Treatment of thromboembolism
Consider thrombolytic or surgical interventions
